By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

 

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met in Munich on February 15 to reaffirm the unwavering trilateral partnership between the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

 

They underscored their shared commitment to the safety, security, and prosperity of the three countries and the Indo-Pacific region. They pledged to take decisive steps to counter threats, strengthen economic resilience, and advance common interests.

 

 

Strengthening Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation

 

The three ministers emphasized the need to bolster the strength of the U.S.-ROK and U.S.-Japan alliances, including strong security cooperation among the three countries, to ensure peace and prosperity.

 

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defense and deterrence, including by conducting trilateral exercises and enhancing the capabilities of the ROK Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces, and Japan Self-Defense Forces.

 

The U.S. side reiterated the unwavering U.S. defense commitment to the Republic of Korea and Japan, backed by unparalleled U.S. military power, including nuclear capabilities. The U.S. side reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing extended deterrence cooperation through the U.S.-ROK and U.S.-Japan alliances.

 

The ministers strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific waters, including the South China Sea, by force or coercion. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and to the primacy of international law.

 

They also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as an essential element of the security and prosperity of the international community. They encouraged a peaceful resolution of the cross-Strait issue and opposed any attempt to unilaterally impose or coerce a change in the status quo. They also expressed support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

 

 

Countering the North Korean threat

 

The ministers reaffirmed their firm commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. They expressed grave concern and the need for a joint response to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, malicious cyber activities, including cryptocurrency theft, and growing military cooperation with Russia.

 

They strongly warned that the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan will not tolerate any provocations or threats against their respective homelands. They committed to further strengthening trilateral efforts through close policy coordination at all levels.

 

The ministers condemned the longstanding, systematic, widespread, and grave human rights violations in and by North Korea. They also committed to maintain and strengthen the international sanctions against North Korea, responding decisively to violations and evasions of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and applying pressure on North Korea to halt its illicit activities that finance its nuclear and missile programs. They affirmed their commitment to the immediate resolution of the issues of abductees, detainees, prisoners of war, and separated families.

 

Strengthening economic security and resilience

 

The ministers announced their intent to strengthen energy security by freeing up affordable and reliable U.S. energy and natural resources and expanding energy cooperation, particularly in liquefied natural gas, in mutually beneficial ways. They also welcomed efforts to diversify supply chains for critical minerals and joint efforts to advance and deploy advanced small modular reactors and other advanced reactor technologies.

 

Recognizing that technological advancement plays a pivotal role in regional security and economic prosperity, the ministers committed to working more closely together to advance key and emerging technologies.

 

They committed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum science and technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology and supporting infrastructure, and digital information and communication technology infrastructure. They also committed to strengthening research cooperation among the three countries' national laboratories. They committed to protecting critical supply chains to strengthen economic resilience.

 

They reaffirmed their commitment to contribute to a free and fair global economic order by taking decisive action against economic coercion and unfair trade practices. The ministers committed to strengthening economic partnerships that benefit the hardworking people and businesses of their countries.

 

Strengthening shared values and regional engagement

 

They welcomed the Republic of Korea's assumption of the APEC Chairmanship in 2025 and pledged to work together to achieve meaningful outcomes. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding shared principles, including democracy, sovereignty, and respect for the rule of law.

 

They also committed to strengthening relations with like-minded economies to uphold these principles. The ministers made clear that they stand together in opposing any attempts to destabilize democratic institutions, economic independence, and global security.