In South Korea, Austin and Blinken continue US message of countering China’s ‘coercion and aggression’

The US secretaries of state and defence also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the alliance with Seoul, and to the denuclearisation of North Korea

The improvement of ties between Japan and South Korea was discussed as crucial to deal with threats ‘on and around the Korean peninsula’

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US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin (left) bumps fists with his South Korean counterpart Suh Wook before their meeting in Seoul. Photo: EPA

Published: 9:32pm, 17 Mar 2021Updated: 8:35am, 18 Mar 2021

The United States has continued with its message of countering Beijing’s “coercion and aggression” as Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held one-on-one meetings with their counterparts in Seoul, a day after similar sessions in Japan.

But South Korea, which counts China as its biggest economic partner, kept the focus strictly on the importance of its alliance with the US in deterring nuclear-armed North Korea and seeking a revival of talks with Pyongyang that stalled two years ago.

After his meeting with defence minister Suh Wook, Austin on Wednesday said the alliance with South Korea had never been more important given the “unprecedented challenges” posed by North Korea and China, calling the compact a linchpin for peace, security and prosperity in Northeast Asia.

“I am here today to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the defence of the Republic of Korea,” Austin said, according to the Yonhap news agency. “You and I can both agree that military readiness is a top priority, and that our combined readiness must ensure that we are ready to fight tonight, if needed.”

According to a South Korean defence ministry official, Austin also said the improvement of ties between Japan and South Korea was crucial for them to deal with common threats on and around the Korean peninsula.