South Korea, US, and Japan Forge Strong Alliance on North Korea and Economic Security

South Korea, US, and Japan Strengthen Cooperation on North Korea Response and Economic Security

Source: Kyunghyang Shinmun

The security officials from South Korea, the United States, and Japan met in Seoul on September 9th to discuss uninterrupted security cooperation and the enhancement of comprehensive cooperation in areas such as supply chain, artificial intelligence (AI), and economic security. The meeting aimed to implement the cooperation agreement reached by the leaders of the three countries at the Camp David summit in August.

Reaffirmation of Security and Denuclearization Commitments

Jo Tae-yong, South Korea’s National Security Office First Deputy Director, Jake Sullivan, Advisor to the White House National Security Council, and Akiba Takeo, Director of Japan’s National Security Secretariat, emphasized the importance of strengthening trilateral cooperation. They expressed their support for the UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea’s denuclearization obligations and the prohibition of military cooperation, pledging to work towards ensuring the thorough implementation of these resolutions within the international community.

Enhancing Security Cooperation

The South Korean, US, and Japanese security officials discussed various security cooperation measures during the meeting. This included real-time sharing of North Korean missile alert information and the establishment of long-term joint training plans. They also emphasized the need to enhance economic security cooperation in areas such as cyber security, economic development, advanced technology, supply chain protection, joint research, and artificial intelligence.

Extensive and Deep Trilateral Cooperation

Deputy Minister Jo Tae-yong highlighted the broad and deep scope of trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan. He revealed that the security officials confirmed this during the meeting and expressed their intention to continue such cooperation at the same level in the coming year.

Supporting Regional Stability and Freedom of Navigation

Jake Sullivan, Advisor to the White House National Security Council, emphasized the importance of the trilateral partnership and its potential for further development. He emphasized the need for the three countries to cooperate and coordinate in response to regional threats and challenges. The ministers also discussed the significance of protecting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and ensuring freedom of navigation in the East China Sea and South China Sea.

Addressing the Abduction Issue

Akiba Takeo, Director of Japan’s National Security Secretariat, requested continued understanding and cooperation from the United States and South Korea in resolving the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. The security officials expressed their support for the prompt resolution of the abduction issue and emphasized the need for sustained understanding and cooperation.

Commitment to Economic Security

The security officials acknowledged the importance of promptly and effectively implementing the follow-up measures to the Camp David agreement in the fields of cyber security, economic development, advanced technology, and comprehensive economic security cooperation. They agreed to strengthen comprehensive economic security cooperation, including supply chain protection, technology development, joint research, and artificial intelligence collaboration.

Conclusion

The security officials from South Korea, the United States, and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to close strategic cooperation. They discussed various aspects of security and economic cooperation, including responding to North Korean provocations, economic security measures, and resolving the abduction issue. The ministers expressed their determination to strengthen trilateral cooperation, address regional challenges, and enhance stability in the region.