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Seoul-Tokyo Defence Chiefs Meet Amid North Korea's Nuclear Threats

The defence ministers of South Korea and Japan held their first in-person meeting in Malaysia during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting. They reaffirmed the importance of trilateral security cooperation with the United States amid growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats. Both ministers agreed to advance their bilateral defence relations in a future-oriented manner while addressing regional security challenges. South Korea's defence chief also emphasized a two-track approach combining strong deterrence with efforts to reduce military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Key Points: South Korea Japan Defence Chiefs Reaffirm US Security Cooperation

  • Defence chiefs emphasize trilateral cooperation with US against North Korean threats
  • Ministers agree to advance bilateral defence ties in future-oriented manner
  • Meeting occurs amid North Korea's recent missile tests and weapons development
  • South Korea proposes two-track approach combining deterrence and tension reduction
  • Both nations seek expanded cooperation with ASEAN members for regional stability
  • Ahn requests China's constructive role for Korean Peninsula peace
3 min read

Defence chiefs of South Korea, Japan reaffirm trilateral security cooperation with US

Defence ministers of South Korea and Japan meet in Malaysia, strengthening trilateral security cooperation with US against North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

"North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and modernization of conventional weapons systems is a grave challenge to regional peace and stability - Ahn Gyu-back"

Seoul, Nov 1

The defence chiefs of South Korea and Japan met in Malaysia on Saturday and reaffirmed the importance of their trilateral security cooperation with the United States in the face of advancing North Korean nuclear and missile threats, the South Korean defence ministry said.

Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back held talks with new Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on the occasion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, according to the ministry.

Ahn congratulated Koizumi on his inauguration and highlighted the importance of bilateral coordination and cooperation to strategically deal with geopolitical uncertainties and complex security crisis facing the two nations.

In response, Koizumi emphasised that South Korea is an important neighbouring country and a partner for his country in responding to various tasks facing the international community, Yonhap news agency reported.

Both ministers agreed to continue with efforts to advance their bilateral defence ties in a future-oriented manner, according to the ministry.

Their first in-person meeting came as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile weapons, disclosing the new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile and firing short-range ballistic missiles in October.

Meanwhile, Ahn highlighted South Korea's efforts to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula during the defence ministerial gathering, calling for joint international efforts for such a goal.

"North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and modernization of conventional weapons systems is a grave challenge to regional peace and stability and the international non-proliferation regime," Ahn said in a speech.

"Not only South and North Korea, but nearby countries, including China, and the international community should together establish peace on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

He said South Korea will seek a "two-track" approach in dealing with North Korea by maintaining firm deterrence on the back of a powerful South Korea-US combined defence posture while seeking to ease inter-Korean military tensions and building trust, the ministry said.

The defence chief also pledged to expand cooperation with ASEAN members and contribute to regional peace and stability by expanding personnel exchanges and education and strengthening the arms industry and technology cooperation.

In addition to his talks with Tokyo's defence chief, Ahn also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Australia, China, Malaysia and Thailand.

In his talks with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, Ahn requested China's "constructive" role for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

He also discussed ways to strengthen defence and arms industry cooperation in talks with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Thai Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit, according to the ministry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see Japan and South Korea working together despite their historical tensions. This shows how security threats can bring nations together. Hope India also strengthens its partnerships in the region.
A
Arjun K
While security cooperation is important, I hope this doesn't escalate tensions further. Dialogue and diplomacy should be prioritized over military posturing. The two-track approach mentioned seems balanced.
S
Sarah B
Good to see ASEAN playing a role in regional security discussions. India should also actively participate in such forums to protect our strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
V
Vikram M
North Korea's nuclear program is a threat to global peace. Strong international cooperation like this is necessary. India faces similar challenges with our neighbors, so we understand the importance of such alliances.
M
Michael C
The mention of China's role is crucial. Beijing needs to take more responsibility in containing North Korea rather than just paying lip service. Regional stability affects all of us, including India.
A
Ananya R
While I support security cooperation, I'm concerned about the arms industry expansion mentioned. More weapons don't always mean more security. Hope they focus on confidence-building measures too. 🙏

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