Biden: "ROK-US-Japan Cooperate More Closely Than Ever Against North Korea Provocations"

North Korea as the Top Issue...Security, Economy, and Diplomatic Measures
"Unprecedented Depth and Scope of Issues"

U.S. President Joe Biden (Photo source: Reuters) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] On the 13th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden said that South Korea, the U.S., and Japan are cooperating more closely than ever in response to North Korea's 7th nuclear test and other provocative actions.

After a trilateral meeting with the leaders of South Korea and Japan, President Biden referred to the two countries as "important allies" sharing concerns over North Korea's 7th nuclear test. He stated, "We coordinated a unified joint response approach regarding North Korea's threatening ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs," adding, "At a time when North Korea is escalating provocations, the trilateral partnership is more important than ever."

Foreign media reported that President Biden also discussed cooperation on North Korea during the bilateral meetings with South Korea and Japan held prior to the trilateral summit.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor (Photo by Reuters)

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, held a briefing on the plane en route to Indonesia for the G20 schedule after attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting in Cambodia, stating, "If North Korea conducts its 7th nuclear test, there will be a trilateral joint response by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan."

Advisor Sullivan said, "The leaders of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan coordinated on a joint response approach in the event of North Korea's 7th nuclear test," adding that it would include security, economic, and diplomatic elements.

He continued, "If North Korea conducts the 7th nuclear test, response measures including security, economic, and diplomatic aspects are being intensively discussed among the three countries, but it is important to leave room for working-level officials to coordinate various responses," avoiding specifics on the response methods.

He said, "We have made it clear that North Korea's nuclear tests are blatant violations of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to peace and security."

Regarding the joint statement from the trilateral summit, Sullivan said, "The joint statement released after the meeting is unprecedented in depth and scope of issues," adding, "Clearly, North Korea was the biggest issue as the three leaders sat down, but the joint statement also discussed peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the need to deepen economic and technological cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region."

Regarding the bilateral meetings held before the trilateral summit, Sullivan said, "President Biden had opportunities to consult with the two leaders about the upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 14th," adding, "President Biden explained to the two leaders what he plans to do in Bali and ensured close cooperation with the closest allies."

On the agenda and content of the U.S.-China summit, Sullivan said, "President Biden will make clear that the U.S. is prepared for intense competition with China but does not seek conflict, and will manage competition responsibly. He will emphasize that all countries, including the U.S. and China, must act according to established rules such as freedom of navigation and refrain from using threats or coercion."

When asked if the Biden administration is 'resetting' U.S.-China relations, he replied, "The Biden administration does not use that expression," and then reiterated the administration's diplomatic stance on China as "responsible competition management and cooperation in areas of shared interest," consistent since President Biden's first day in office.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.