On January 21st, Kitae Lee, Senior Fellow gave a presentation on "The Perception and Response of Japan to Trump 2.0" at the 1st Colloquium of 2025.

The discussion was moderated by Sungwon Lee, Director of Center for Diplomatic Strategy at Sejong Institute.

Japan views the U.S.-Japan alliance as a core component of the lattice-like alliance network established during the Biden administration. Even under the Trump administration, this structure is not expected to change significantly, and there is an optimistic outlook that efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance will continue.

Japan seeks to play a complementary or mediating role on behalf of the U.S., particularly in Southeast Asia and other regions where resistance to American influence exists, by taking the lead in implementing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy.

South Korea, recognizing the lattice-like alliance network centered on the global U.S.-Japan partnership, should actively work to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and the trilateral security cooperation framework among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan to achieve North Korea's denuclearization.

While maintaining the U.S.-ROK alliance as its core, South Korea should pursue a well-rounded diplomatic strategy, prioritizing relations with other nations based on strategic needs.

Although there is a perception that Trump may place less emphasis on bilateral alliances, South Korea should consistently assert that strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance aligns with U.S. interests. This assertion must be supported by tangible and practical actions.​