MUNICH (CHATNEWSTV) — Top diplomats from the United States, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to regional security and economic cooperation Saturday, pledging decisive action against threats from North Korea and efforts to alter the Indo-Pacific status quo by force.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing their “unshakable trilateral partnership” and shared goals of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“We are committed to strengthening defense and deterrence, including through trilateral military exercises,” the diplomats said in a joint statement. The U.S. reaffirmed its “ironclad commitments” to the defense of Japan and South Korea, backed by its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear deterrence.
The leaders condemned “any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” particularly in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. They voiced support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to cross-Strait tensions.
The diplomats also issued a strong warning to North Korea, condemning its nuclear and missile programs, cyber activities, and growing military ties with Russia.
“We will not tolerate any provocations or threats to our homelands,” they said, reaffirming their commitment to North Korea’s complete denuclearization in line with U.N. Security Council resolutions.
They pledged to maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions enforcement and increased coordination while demanding an end to human rights abuses and illicit activities funding its weapons programs.
The three nations also outlined plans to deepen economic and technological collaboration, including strengthening energy security, securing critical mineral supply chains, and advancing research in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing.
The statement condemned “economic coercion and unfair trade practices” and pledged to reinforce partnerships to protect supply chains and emerging technologies.
As South Korea prepares to host APEC in 2025, the diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democratic values and international norms.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder against any effort to destabilize democratic institutions, economic independence, and global security,” they said.
