Leaders of Japan and South Korea discuss economy and regional challenges at summit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have agreed to step up cooperation as they face growing uncertainty and regional challenges. Takaichi needs to stabilize ties with Seoul as Tokyo is in a worsening dispute with China. The meeting Tuesday could deliver a political win as Takaichi seeks to shore up her power with control of only one house of Parliament. Takaichi is hosting Lee in her hometown, Nara, an ancient capital known for its deer and Buddhist temples. Lee visited China last week and said relations with Japan are as important as those with China. But he says South Korea’s ability to broker reconciliation between its neighbors is limited.