Arab News Japan

TOKYO: US, Japanese and Korean defense officials met online for the 14th Defense Trilateral Talks on Wednesday to exchange assessments of the security environment on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-Pacific and in other areas, and to make progress on US-Japan-Korea security cooperation.

US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner, Japan Director General for Defense Policy KANO Koji and South Korea’s Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Cho Chang-rae took part in the meeting, much of which was taken up by talks on North Korea.

They said security had been enhanced through collaboration on a real-time DPRK missile warning data-sharing mechanism and the multi-year trilateral exercise plan.

They condemned the DPRK’s recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems, tests and launches of multiple ballistic missiles, the launch of what the DPRK purports to be a military reconnaissance satellite using ballistic missile technology, illicit ship-to-ship transfers, and arms shipments with Russia as clear violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

The officials said they would redouble their efforts in support of effective UNSCR implementation following Russia’s veto that blocked the renewal of the UN mandate to monitor implementation of sanctions on the DPRK.

However, the three officials said the path to dialogue remains open toward peaceful and diplomatic resolution with the DPRK, and they pledged to continue coordination toward the complete denuclearization of the DPRK in accordance with relevant UNSCRs.

They also shared concerns about actions that are inconsistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and stressed the importance of fully respecting freedom of navigation and overflight.

On Taiwan, they said there was no change in their basic position and emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity in the international community.

Likewise, they reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, recognizing that Russia’s actions violate the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The United States reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan, adding that this commitment is backed by the full range of US capabilities, including nuclear capabilities.