[Lee Byung-jong] Deepening Seoul-Tokyo ties

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's visit to South Korea late last month for high-level talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back featured a number of warm, symbolic moments reflecting their growing personal rapport — including a friendly game of ping-pong.

Despite the upbeat atmosphere, the regional security environment remains far from reassuring.

Koizumi's first visit to Seoul since assuming office came at a time of heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, as growing ...