Korea-US-Japan Discuss Regularizing Trilateral Summit... Expected to Confirm at Leaders' Meeting

Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong to the United States described the upcoming Korea-US-Japan summit on the 18th as "the first (trilateral summit) held independently, not as part of a multilateral summit occasion."

Ambassador Hyun Dong Ju-mi is speaking about current issues at a press conference on the 31st (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

At a press briefing held on the 31st (local time) at the Washington Korean Cultural Center, Ambassador Cho stated this and added, "The advancement of Korea-US-Japan cooperation to a new level was possible because of the improvement in Korea-Japan relations, which is one of the three pillars of the tripod," emphasizing its significance.

He particularly highlighted that this Korea-US-Japan summit is "the first summit held at Camp David since President Joe Biden took office," stressing, "This shows how much President Biden values his friendship with our president, as well as the Korea-US relationship and trilateral cooperation among Korea, the US, and Japan."

In diplomatic circles, attention is focused on whether the Korea-US-Japan summit can become a regular consultative body following this meeting. Although the three countries are currently discussing the regularization of the summit in their working-level consultations preparing the agenda and schedule, it is understood that all three recognize that the final decision rests with the leaders when they meet.

Additionally, some speculate the possibility of establishing a new framework for extended deterrence cooperation against North Korea at the Korea-US-Japan level, but it remains uncertain whether concrete discussions on this will take place at this summit.

Regarding the issue of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, it is known that this is not currently being addressed at the working-level consultations. However, it cannot be ruled out that the Japanese side might mention it in relation to China's response.

Ambassador Cho spoke about the first meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), held for the first time in Seoul on the 18th, saying, "Korea and the US have been working to concretely implement the Washington Declaration agreed upon at the Korea-US summit in April, and one of the main outcomes was holding the inaugural meeting led by senior officials from both countries."

He added, "Through this meeting, we established the structural and procedural foundation for the first permanent nuclear-related consultative body between Korea and the US and discussed key issues such as implementation plans and consultation procedures during crises," and noted, "The arrival of the US strategic nuclear submarine USS Kentucky in Busan at the time of the launch also demonstrates the US's strong commitment to extended deterrence implementation."

Ambassador Cho continued, "Meanwhile, North Korea continued to issue threatening statements and conduct missile provocations in July," stating, "Korea and the US are swiftly communicating and consulting on North Korea's missile provocations and responding firmly both militarily and diplomatically."

He also said, "Furthermore, North Korea held a military parade to mark their so-called 'Victory Day' and invited high-ranking officials from Russia and China," condemning, "Concerns about possible North Korea-Russia military cooperation are rising, but all arms transactions with North Korea are clear violations of UN Security Council resolutions."

He emphasized, "Considering Russia's position as a permanent member of the Security Council and its past support for Security Council resolutions, it must play a constructive role in North Korea's denuclearization."

Meanwhile, regarding the anticipated US announcement soon on export controls and outbound investment regulations targeting China in advanced technology sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, Ambassador Cho explained that he met with Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, on the 28th and that the Korean government is closely consulting with the US side to ensure there is no negative impact on Korean companies and the economy.

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