On Monday, the US reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of essential allies in Asia, namely Japan and South Korea. The three countries also showed their backing for Taiwan as they gear up for a summit this week between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Experts suggest that there’s a sense of unease among US allies, particularly regarding the possibility that Trump might make concessions to Xi. This might involve compromises on Taiwan and trade to secure some sort of economic gain when Xi visits the White House on Thursday.
Officials have indicated that both Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are eager to meet with the US president during the UN General Assembly in New York, where all three leaders are scheduled to speak on Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in New York on Monday. In a joint statement, they pledged to uphold a strong stance “against economic coercion and non-market policies and practices,” as well as “arbitrary export restrictions that can disrupt supply chains.”
The three nations applauded the establishment of a new trilateral consultation mechanism aimed at enhancing economic security, which is part of broader efforts to bolster supply chains and collaborate on critical technologies.
‘IRONCLAD COMMITMENTS’
The statement noted the US’s “ironclad commitments” to defend Japan and South Korea, emphasizing the unmatched strength of America’s military, including its nuclear capabilities. It reaffirmed the extended deterrence commitments to both nations, using the abbreviation for the Republic of Korea for South Korea.
The ministers highlighted their dedication to strong security cooperation and the necessity of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also “expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations,” a sentiment welcomed by Taiwan’s government. Their foreign ministry remarked that this renewed consensus indicates that security in the strait has become a “strong agreement within the international community.”
The ministers reiterated their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and called for a revival of dialogue.
With ongoing concerns about Taiwan — a self-governing island that China asserts claims over — analysts note that allies will closely monitor any trade-related decisions stemming from the Trump-Xi summit, especially regarding their competitive edge against China. Even minor reductions in trade barriers could potentially undermine their positions.
Takaichi had previously provoked Beijing’s ire by stating that Japan could be involved in a conflict over Taiwan. Meanwhile, negotiations are underway between Seoul and Washington concerning South Korea’s $350 billion investment package in the US, part of a trade agreement made last year.
On Monday, a South Korean opposition lawmaker called for a review of the investment package by parliament, cautioning that discussions on energy projects could place a disproportionate financial burden on South Korea.
