Meeting on the sidelines of ASEAN-related ministerial gatherings in Manila, the foreign ministers of South Korea, the United States, and Japan have reiterated their unified stance on deterring North Korea. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized their continued commitment to a robust deterrence strategy while seeking to enhance trilateral cooperation in regional security, economic resilience, and the advancement of emerging technologies.
The discussions among the three ministers also touched upon broader regional and global security matters, particularly focusing on developments in Northeast Asia and the Middle East. Acknowledging the importance of maritime security, they collectively voiced support for the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight, adherence to international law, and securing the Indo-Pacific region’s waters.
The commitment to close coordination on North Korea policy was a focal point, with the ministers agreeing to maintain efforts toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This approach combines dialogue and diplomacy, underpinned by a credible deterrence strategy. The three nations aim to continue working together to address the challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
On the economic front, the ministers acknowledged the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas of nuclear energy, critical minerals, and supply chain resilience. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in advanced technologies and strategies to counter economic coercion. Additionally, they pledged to strengthen joint efforts in disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and combating transnational crime.
This meeting underscored the shared determination of South Korea, the United States, and Japan to expand practical cooperation. They agreed to hold regular consultations to tackle the common security and economic challenges they face, reinforcing their commitment to a stable and secure regional environment.