The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Japan and South Korea during a trilateral meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi Takehiro and Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoonjoo on July 18, 2025, in Tokyo. The gathering marked an important step in advancing the three countries’ partnership, which is critical for regional safety, security, and prosperity.
Deputy Secretary of State Landau met with his counterparts to discuss pressing regional issues and strengthen economic cooperation. The trilateral meeting came as tensions with North Korea and Russia continue to escalate, prompting renewed emphasis on denuclearization and deterrence measures.
Promoting Regional Stability
The Deputy Secretary and Vice Foreign Ministers stressed their shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. They discussed efforts to ensure peace and stability in the area, with a focus on countering regional security threats.
- Reaffirmed ironclad commitments to Japan’s defense
- Stressed importance of complete denuclearization of North Korea
- Expressed serious concerns about increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
Economic Cooperation Ahead
The meeting also touched on trilateral economic cooperation, with a focus on strengthening supply chains and collaborating on critical technologies. The Deputy Secretary emphasized the significance of unleashing American liquified natural gas in promoting energy security.
- Agreed to continue advancing trilateral economic cooperation
- Strengthened supply chains
- Collaborated on critical and emerging technologies
The gathering marked a significant step forward in the US, Japan, and South Korea’s trilateral partnership. As regional tensions continue to rise, the three countries will need to work together to address pressing security challenges.
Conclusion: The meeting between Deputy Secretary of State Landau and his Japanese and South Korean counterparts serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of the US-Japan-South Korea trilateral relationship in promoting regional stability and prosperity. As the United States continues to engage with its Indo-Pacific partners, it will be crucial to maintain strong diplomatic ties and cooperative efforts on key issues.