US Reaffirms Alliances, Backs Taiwan Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
The US, Japan, and South Korea issued a joint statement pledging to counter economic coercion and support Taiwan's role in international organizations.
The United States on Monday reiterated its steadfast defense commitments to Japan and South Korea, and the three nations jointly expressed support for Taiwan, just days before President Donald Trump is scheduled to host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House.
Analysts suggest that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are concerned that Trump might make concessions to Xi, particularly concerning Taiwan and trade issues, in exchange for an economic agreement during their summit on Thursday. All three leaders are expected to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in New York on Monday. In a joint statement, they pledged to stand firm "against economic coercion and non-market policies and practices" and "arbitrary export restrictions that disrupt supply chains," a clear reference to China.
The statement also welcomed the establishment of a new trilateral consultation mechanism focused on economic security, aimed at strengthening supply chains and fostering cooperation on critical technologies.
'Ironclad Commitments'
The ministers reaffirmed the U.S.'s "ironclad commitments to the defense of Japan and the ROK, backed by America’s unmatched military strength, including its nuclear capabilities, and reaffirmed its extended deterrence commitments to Japan and the ROK," referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
The statement emphasized the ministers' dedication to robust security cooperation and the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It also "expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations."
Taiwan's government welcomed these remarks, with its foreign ministry stating that the renewed joint public support signifies that security in the strait has become a "strong consensus of the international community."
Regarding North Korea, the ministers "reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea" and urged Pyongyang to resume dialogue.
Beyond concerns about Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China, allies are expected to closely examine any trade announcements from the Trump-Xi summit for their potential impact on competitiveness relative to China. Even minor reductions in trade barriers for Beijing could affect their economic standing.
Last year, Takaichi drew criticism from Beijing for suggesting that Japan could be drawn into a conflict over Taiwan. Meanwhile, Seoul and Washington are finalizing the details of South Korea's $350 billion investment package in the U.S., part of a trade agreement reached last year.
On Monday, a South Korean opposition lawmaker called for parliamentary oversight of the investment package, expressing concern that negotiations over energy projects might place disproportionate financial risks on South Korea.
