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Key Points

The US, Japan, and South Korea are arranging their first high-level trilateral talks since Seoul's new government took office. Discussions will cover US tariffs affecting both Asian allies and regional security concerns like North Korea-Russia ties. The meeting follows South Korea's security adviser proposing a "mutually beneficial" deal with Washington. The talks highlight continued cooperation despite trade tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Key Points: US Japan South Korea Plan Trilateral Talks at ASEAN Summit

  • First high-level trilateral talks since South Korea's new government took office
  • Focus on US tariffs impacting Seoul and Tokyo's key industries
  • Discussions expected on North Korea-Russia military cooperation
  • ASEAN summit sidelines to address regional security and China's assertiveness
2 min read

South Korea, US, Japan arranging three-way talks at ASEAN meetings

Top diplomats from the US, Japan, and South Korea to discuss tariffs, security, and North Korea-Russia ties at ASEAN meetings in Malaysia.

"We suggested making efforts to facilitate a mutually beneficial deal – Wi Sung-lac, South Korea's National Security Adviser"

Kuala Lumpur, July 10

South Korea, the United States and Japan were arranging to hold three-way talks among their senior diplomats in Malaysia, diplomatic sources said Thursday.

The talks, if held, will take place among First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, on the sidelines of multilateral meetings hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur.

The three sides were fine-tuning the details to hold the meeting, the sources said.

The talks would mark the first high-level meeting among the senior diplomats of the three countries since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government in early June, underscoring their continued commitment to the trilateral partnership built under their previous governments.

The envisioned talks come as Seoul has been negotiating with Washington over steep US tariffs to avoid or minimise the impact on its key industries, a measure that has also been affecting Tokyo.

The talks would also come just days after South Korea's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, visited Washington earlier this week and held talks with Rubio, who doubles as the top security adviser, on the tariff measures and other alliance issues.

Wi said after his US trip that he suggested making efforts to facilitate a "mutually beneficial" deal and that Rubio had agreed with him.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump sent letters to Korea, Japan and other trading partners to notify them that the "reciprocal" tariffs will go into effect on August 1, an effective extension of the initial July 9 deadline following a 90-day pause.

At the envisioned talks, the three diplomats are also likely to discuss coordination on regional security issues, including the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, Yonhap news agency reported.

The talks could also touch on China's growing assertiveness amid the intensifying rivalry with the US, possibly addressing the Taiwan Strait and other related issues.

Park would join the talks in place of the foreign minister, as the nomination procedure is still underway pending parliamentary confirmation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The North Korea-Russia angle is worrying. India should watch this closely given our strategic partnerships with both US and Russia. Hope our diplomats are taking notes!
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Aman W
While these talks are important, I wish ASEAN would invite India for more such strategic discussions. We're a major Asian power too yaar! Our voice matters in regional security matters.
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Sarah B
The tariff negotiations show how interconnected global economies are. India should use this as an opportunity to strengthen our own trade deals with these nations. Smart diplomacy needed!
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Vikram M
China's growing assertiveness mentioned here is exactly why India needs to maintain strong ties with both US and Japan. Our Quad partnership is more important than ever.
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, I think the article focuses too much on US perspective. Would be good to hear more about South Korea and Japan's actual positions, not just American viewpoints.

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