The White House announced that the leaders of the United States, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to establish a secretariat to promote cooperation among the three allies. This agreement was reached on Friday, November 15th.
According to a joint statement released by the White House, the new secretariat aims to further align the goals and actions of the US, Japan, and South Korea, making the Indo-Pacific region a “prosperous, interconnected, resilient, stable, and secure region”.
During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) international conference in Lima, Peru, President Biden of the US, Prime Minister Kishida of Japan, and President Yoon of South Korea held a meeting. In their joint statement, they expressed pride in the established partnership and believed that the trilateral relationship will be a stabilizing force for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region in the coming years.
President Biden emphasized the significance of the current political moment and expressed his hope for the continued development of this partnership. Prime Minister Kishida, who took office in October, highlighted the increasing importance of the trilateral partnership in addressing complex international challenges.
President Yoon stated that the trilateral cooperation has expanded beyond security to encompass comprehensive and institutionalized cooperation including advanced technologies such as economy, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, as well as exchanges between future generations.
The joint statement also condemned North Korea and Russia for dangerously escalating Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine. They also emphasized the importance of opposing China’s illegal maritime sovereignty claims in the South China Sea and any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific waters.
The leaders firmly opposed the dangerous use of coast guards and maritime militia vessels, as well as coercive activities in the South China Sea, and expressed support for a global maritime order based on international law, including freedom of navigation and overflight.
The three leaders also expressed concerns about the situation in the Taiwan Strait and reiterated that their fundamental stance on the Taiwan issue remains unchanged, calling for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
Despite historical tensions between Japan and South Korea due to issues dating back to World War II, President Biden played a crucial role in convening the historic Trilateral Summit, expanding the scope of trilateral cooperation beyond North Korea to encompass economic security, emerging technologies, and other areas.
Before the trilateral meeting, Prime Minister Kishida met with President Biden for the first time in the capital of Peru, where he reportedly agreed with Biden that the alliance between the two countries has never been stronger and will continue to be the foundation for peace in the region.