The United States, Japan, and South Korea held high-level discussions on regional security in the Indo-Pacific and North Korea on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2025.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security cooperation, countering threats, and upholding stability in the Indo-Pacific, according to a joint statement issued by the US State Department.
Trilateral Stance On North Korea And Regional Security
The three nations expressed grave concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as its malicious cyber activities.
They pledged to take decisive actions to counter the threats posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs).
Condemning human rights violations in North Korea, they emphasized the need for collective deterrence and defense cooperation to ensure regional stability.
Commitment To A Free And Open Indo-Pacific
The trilateral alliance strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, particularly in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific.
The ministers stressed their commitment to maintaining international law and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, a clear stance against China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Japan and China remain at odds over the territorial sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, and the trilateral partnership is enhancing its defense cooperation to counter potential Chinese aggression.
US-Japan Summit And Strengthening Indo-Pacific Relations
Last week, US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met in Washington, DC, reaffirming their strategic alliance and their vision for a “golden age” in US-Japan relations.
They underscored their commitment to regional peace, economic resilience, and Indo-Pacific stability.
North Korea’s Continued Nuclear Threats
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has consistently threatened the US and South Korea with nuclear action. In October 2024, he warned of permanent destruction of South Korea if provoked, further escalating tensions in the region.
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