Pacific allies strengthen cooperation against China, North Korea

America's two most powerful allies in the Pacific, Japan and South Korea, are strengthening their defence cooperation in response to increasing concerns over China's assertiveness and North Korean threats.

This announcement came from Japan’s top general, Yoshihide Yoshida, during a trilateral meeting with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. CQ Brown and South Korean Adm. Kim Myung-soo, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Gen. Yoshida highlighted China's efforts to "change the status quo by force" in the East and South China Seas, and North Korea's "repeated ballistic missile launches and continuous arms transfers" to Russia. He called for Japan, South Korea, and the United States to showcase strong unity to ensure regional peace and stability.

A key outcome of the Tokyo meeting was the enhanced bilateral cooperation between Japan and South Korea. This week, Yoshida met with Kim, marking the first meeting between the defence chiefs of the two nations in six years. This significant event was underscored by a US defence official, emphasizing the mutual recognition of regional threats posed by China and North Korea.

 “We developed strong trust between us,” said Yoshida, indicating a new height in Japan-South Korea defence cooperation.

James Brown, a professor of political science at Temple University in Tokyo, noted that the meeting reflects the improved bilateral relationship under South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The political mood has significantly shifted, aligning defence strategies between the two nations.

The enhanced cooperation follows Japan and South Korea's participation in the inaugural Freedom Edge military exercise with the US in the Pacific last month, focusing on missile defence and anti-submarine warfare.

Historically strained relations due to Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea had long hindered high-level meetings and cooperation. However, the increasing regional threats have propelled both countries towards collaboration, significantly influenced by US President Joe Biden’s administration.

In March 2023, Japan and South Korea promised to resume ties at a summit in Tokyo. This was followed by a trilateral meeting at Camp David hosted by Biden, where they pledged a new era of partnership.

Last month, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Singapore, announcing joint military exercises. The trilateral meeting in Tokyo, the first of its kind, underscores the deepening defence ties.

Gen. Brown stated, “I expect that the three of us sitting here in Tokyo today will send a message to regional threats and more globally on the strength of our relationship, our alliances, and the work that we need to continue to do.”

The meeting follows the NATO summit in Washington, where the importance of the Indo-Pacific was highlighted for Euro-Atlantic security.

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, noted the urgency behind the cooperation. East Asian nations are aiming to coordinate responses to common adversaries before potential political changes in Seoul or Washington could affect the relationship.

 “Domestic politics remain complicated in Seoul and Tokyo, but policymakers and military professionals want to lock in coordinated responses to North Korea, Russia, and China before any major political changes occur in Washington,” Easley said.