WASHINGTON: In a significant display of cooperation and shared concerns, the United States, Japan, and South Korea are poised to launch a series of joint initiatives in technology and defence.
This collaborative effort is set to unfold during a gathering of the countries’ leaders at Camp David this upcoming Friday, as confirmed by senior officials from the US administration. Amid escalating concerns related to China’s actions and intentions, the leaders aim to fortify their regional ties and establish mechanisms for crisis communication.
While the upcoming summit might not culminate in a formal security pact mandating mutual defence commitments, it is anticipated that the nations will solidify their understanding of regional responsibilities. A critical aspect of this effort is the establishment of a three-way hotline that will facilitate swift communication during times of crisis. These developments, shared on the condition of anonymity by officials, are a testament to the growing recognition of shared interests in the face of China’s growing influence.
President Joe Biden has extended an invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, inviting them to the historic Camp David retreat nestled in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains. This invitation comes as both Asian nations endeavour to repair their diplomatic relations, which have been strained due to regional threats emanating from China’s ascent and North Korea’s actions.
The upcoming summit holds particular significance as it is anticipated to be the first of a series of annual gatherings among the leaders of the three countries. This initiative aims to formalize their collaboration and cooperation in various domains. It is worth noting that South Korea and Japan took a crucial step forward earlier in the year by conducting their first joint summit in over a decade. This milestone marked progress in mending relations strained by historical disputes, including issues stemming from Japan’s occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945.
While the United States currently maintains separate formal collective defence arrangements with Japan and South Korea, the aspiration is for these two nations to forge a closer working relationship. This collaboration becomes particularly significant against the backdrop of mounting concerns about China’s growing power and the uncertainties surrounding its intentions. An unnamed US official shared, We are anticipating some steps that will bring us closer together in the security realm, emphasizing that such collaboration contributes to the overall collective security of the region.
However, it is acknowledged that the creation of a comprehensive three-way security framework is a complex endeavour. Despite this, strides are being taken to establish a foundation wherein each nation comprehends its responsibilities with regard to regional security. This includes the exploration of new areas of coordination and advancements in ballistic missile defence technology, which are poised to make a substantial impact.
The summit is also anticipated to issue a joint statement endorsed by the three nations, which will address concerns about China’s aspirations to change the status of Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, a stance that has raised international concerns. One official indicated that the joint statement will include language underscoring the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Negotiations are ongoing to finalize the exact wording of this and other provisions.
This deliberation on language is aligned with the US’s approach to navigating its relationship with China. Rather than escalating tensions, the language under consideration seeks to adhere to prior positions while keeping channels open for potential talks between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the year.
Christopher Johnstone, a former Biden White House official who is now affiliated with Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, highlighted the United States strategy of leveraging the improved relations between Japan and South Korea. The aim is to “institutionalize” progress, making it more challenging for future leaders to reverse. However, Johnstone cautioned that despite the progress, the situation remains delicate. He noted that President Yoon’s efforts in South Korea are not universally popular, and scepticism persists in Japan regarding the sustainability of improved relations.
In an effort to solidify their collaborative security stance, Johnstone anticipated that the summit’s joint statement would underline the interconnectedness of the three countries’ security interests. This notion aligns with the principle that a threat to one country is a potential threat to all, even though it might not mirror NATO’s Article 5, which treats an attack on one as an attack on all. Johnstone further anticipated a commitment to enhanced defence initiatives, encompassing joint military exercises and expanded missile defence cooperation.
