WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in separate conversations with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Saturday, emphasizing the significance of sustained trilateral cooperation ahead of his visit to China.
During the discussions, the ongoing missile launches by North Korea and the growing pressure from Chinese vessels around disputed islands with Tokyo were key topics. Blinken assured South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin of the United States’ unwavering commitment to South Korea’s defense, emphasizing the need for serious and sustained diplomacy to address North Korea’s unlawful ballistic missile launches.
Similar sentiments were expressed during Blinken’s conversation with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa, where he condemned North Korea’s missile launches into the Sea of Japan.
In a joint statement issued earlier in the week, the three countries condemned North Korea’s recent launch of two short-range ballistic missiles, while Pyongyang had warned of an inevitable response to joint military drills between the US and South Korea. Tokyo, in particular, has been focused on boosting its defense capabilities and security spending, recognizing China as its greatest strategic challenge.
China’s Growing Influence
The trilateral statement also signaled a thaw between Japan and South Korea, aligning with President Joe Biden’s foreign policy goal of fostering improved relations among the two nations in light of regional tensions and China’s growing influence.
Blinken also mentioned to Minister Park, although not to Minister Hayashi, the US commitment to responsibly managing the US-China relationship.
Secretary Blinken is scheduled to visit China on Sunday and Monday, marking the first trip by a top US diplomat in nearly five years. The visit was rescheduled after a planned trip in February was canceled due to the detection and subsequent downing of a Chinese spy balloon by Washington.
President Joe Biden expressed his hope to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming months to discuss legitimate differences and explore possibilities for peaceful coexistence.
