US official sees ‘trilateral’ relationship with Japan and South Korea growing stronger
- A more secure bond among Washington, Tokyo and Seoul ‘is critical for our shared security and common interests’, Mark Lambert of the State Department says
- Remarks, which come after US President Joe Biden returns from a trip to both nations, reflect White House drive to fortify US alliances throughout the Asia-Pacific
A senior State Department official expressed high confidence on Wednesday that Washington’s efforts at “trilateral” cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo would succeed in the face of regional threats, despite numerous disputes that have long plagued relations between South Korea and Japan.
“Yes, I do think they can be overcome,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mark Lambert said at a briefing, referring to those disputes.
“A robust and effective trilateral relationship between and among the United States, Republic of Korea and Japan is critical for our shared security and common interests,” he said, using the formal name for South Korea.
The comments were the latest sign of the Biden administration’s drive to fortify American alliances throughout the Asia-Pacific, in a bid to more effectively counter authoritarian governments including Beijing and Pyongyang, which have become more assertive in recent years.
The comments also came just hours after North Korea conducted its latest missile tests – including a possible intercontinental ballistic missile – and one day after US President Joe Biden returned to Washington from a five-day trip to South Korea and Japan.