US Reaffirms Commitment to Defending Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
The US reaffirmed its defense commitments to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan ahead of President Trump's summit with China's Xi Jinping this week, with Secretary of State Rubio meeting allied foreign ministers in New York to pledge opposition
The United States on Monday reiterated its commitment to the defense of key allies Japan and South Korea ahead of a summit this week between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington, D.C. on September 24. Analysts say US allies are concerned that Trump may make concessions to President Xi, including on Taiwan and trade issues, in exchange for economic benefits. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are both keen to meet with Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York, where the three leaders are scheduled to deliver speeches on Tuesday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in New York on Monday, September 21, ahead of issuing a joint statement pledging firm opposition to economic coercion and market-distorting policies and practices, including arbitrary export restrictions that disrupt supply chains—a veiled reference to China. The statement emphasized the US commitment to solid defense treaties with Japan and South Korea, backed by superior US military capabilities and nuclear capacity, and reaffirmed extended deterrence commitments to both allies. It stressed commitment to security cooperation and the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, with Taiwan's foreign ministry stating that the renewed joint commitment reflects strong international consensus on strait security.
