Japan defense chief plans South Korea visit amid security shift

Japan's defense minister is preparing to visit South Korea in late June for talks with his counterpart. The visit aims to accelerate efforts to institutionalize military cooperation amid growing regional security threats. Shinjiro Koizumi will meet South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek and tour areas near the inter-Korean border. North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, as well as its growing military cooperation with Russia, have heightened concerns in both Seoul and Tokyo. The planned trip follows a January agreement to hold regular reciprocal visits between defense ministers and expand communication between defense authorities. Both countries face a shared security challenge from North Korea and China's expanding military presence.