In a recent meeting held in Washington, DC, officials from the United States, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to trilateral maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. The collaboration, in accordance with international law, aims to enhance regional economic security, resilience, and development. The dialogue also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and engaging in technology-related issues, including AI safety.
The trilateral United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, led by key officials from each country, emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation. The discussions covered various aspects of the Indo-Pacific approach, focusing on opportunities for collaboration with Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries. The participants shared assessments on geopolitical trends and expressed concerns about the humanitarian, political, and economic crisis in Myanmar.
The joint statement strongly reiterated the commitment to international law, emphasizing the freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific waters. The three nations condemned North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as human rights violations. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were highlighted as crucial for international security and prosperity.
The officials also committed to cooperating through regional forums and groups, including ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum. With seats on the UN Security Council in 2024, the countries aim to advance their trilateral cooperation. The success of the US APEC host year in 2023 and plans for the ROK’s APEC host year in 2025 were celebrated, along with progress in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity negotiations.
The ministers discussed strategies to promote women’s economic empowerment and participation in the digital economy. Youth engagement with Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries was also a focus, with plans for the Trilateral Global Leadership Youth Summit in Busan in July 2024. Recognizing the threat of foreign information manipulation, the countries explored ways to counter these threats while respecting freedom of expression.
Building upon commitments made during the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David in August, the ministers expressed their intent to continue the trilateral dialogue annually. The coordination will address shared concerns in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring a collaborative and strategic approach to regional challenges.
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