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Key Points

The US, Japan, and South Korea held their first high-level diplomatic talks since the Lee Jae Myung administration began. Discussions centered on North Korea's nuclear program and cyber threats, along with regional security concerns. The meeting also touched on US tariff hikes affecting South Korea and Japan. The talks signal continued trilateral cooperation despite leadership changes.

Key Points: US Japan South Korea Hold First Trilateral Talks Under Lee Government

  • First high-level trilateral talks since South Korea's new government took office
  • Focused on North Korea's nuclear threats and cyber activities
  • Discussed China's assertiveness and Taiwan Strait security
  • Addressed US tariff hikes impacting Seoul and Tokyo
2 min read

South Korea, US, Japan hold first 3-way high-level diplomatic talks since Lee govt launch

Top diplomats from the US, Japan, and South Korea met for the first high-level talks since Lee Jae Myung took office, discussing North Korea and regional security.

"The three sides reaffirmed commitment to coordinating on key shared issues, including the denuclearization of North Korea – Yonhap News Agency"

Kuala Lumpur, July 11

South Korea, the United States and Japan held trilateral ministerial talks at a multilateral gathering in Malaysia on Friday to discuss coordination on key shared regional and global issues, Seoul officials said.

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo joined US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya for the talks on the margins of the foreign ministers' meetings hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

It marked the first high-level talks among the senior diplomats of the three countries since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government in early June. Park is attending the forum on behalf of the foreign minister, as the appointment process is still in progress.

The talks lasted for about 40 minutes.

Holding such talks with South Korea represented by the vice minister reflects the importance the three countries place on their trilateral partnership that was elevated to new heights under their previous governments, Yonhap news agency reported.

At the talks, the three sides reaffirmed commitment to coordinating on key shared issues, including the denuclearization of North Korea and efforts to deter its nuclear threats, a source said.

They also discussed North Korea's growing cyberthreats and sanctions-evading activities, while reaffirming calls for Pyongyang to return to dialogue.

Friday's meeting likely included discussions on China's growing assertiveness and ensuring security around the Taiwan Strait.

In the joint statement released after their previous trilateral talks in Brussels in April, the three countries called for an end to actions that destabilize security around the Taiwan Strait, in an apparent veiled warning to China against its increasing military activities in the area.

The talks also came as Seoul is negotiating with Washington to avoid or minimize the impact of tariff hikes on its export-dependent economy. US President Donald Trump has notified both Seoul and Tokyo through letters addressed to their leaders that the "reciprocal" tariffs will take effect on August 1.

Both South Korea and Japan face 25 per cent duties on their goods. Trump's announcement is seen as an effective extension of the deadline originally set for July 9, following a 90-day pause on the measure.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The tariff situation is concerning for global trade. As an Indian exporter, I'm worried this might create ripple effects in Asian markets. Hope our commerce ministry is watching this closely and preparing contingency plans.
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Arjun K
North Korea's cyber threats are no joke! Just last month we saw Indian IT firms being targeted by similar state-sponsored attacks. These trilateral talks are important but should include more countries facing these threats, including India.
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Sarah B
While the focus is on security, I hope they discussed climate change cooperation too. The recent floods in Northeast India show how vulnerable our region is. Global partnerships should address these shared challenges.
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Vikram M
The article mentions Taiwan Strait but doesn't elaborate. This is sensitive for India too given our border issues with China. We need more transparency in such discussions that affect regional stability.
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Nikhil C
Only 40 minutes of talks? Seems like just a formality. Real diplomacy needs more time and substance. Hope India's engagements with these countries go deeper than such symbolic meetings.

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