The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met on Thursday in Brussels to discuss a trilateral cooperation at strengthening the security of their countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) made a Joint Statement following the meeting.
Strengthening Regional and Global Engagement
The United States reaffirmed its "ironclad" commitments to the defence of Japan and ROK, supported by its unmatched military strength, including nuclear capabilities.
All parties agreed that U.S. extended deterrence remains vital to the security of the Korean Peninsula and Indo-Pacific region. Japan and the ROK supported U.S. efforts to engage China and Russia in reducing nuclear risks and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence and deterrence through robust security cooperation and strengthened defense capabilities.
The Secretary and Foreign Ministers strongly opposed unlawful maritime claims and any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the South China Sea. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring international law, including freedoms of navigation and overflight, prevails.
They also stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as essential to international security and prosperity. They expressed concern over provocative actions, such as recent military drills around Taiwan, and called for an end to destabilizing actions. They urged peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and opposed unilateral changes to the status quo. Additionally, they supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
The Secretary and Foreign Ministers welcomed ongoing talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine and encouraged progress toward a comprehensive ceasefire as a crucial step toward a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.
Addressing the North Korean Threat
The Secretary and Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their strong commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).
They expressed concern over North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia and stressed the need for a united approach to address DPRK’s nuclear and missile programs. They emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening sanctions against the DPRK, responding firmly to violations and evasions of UNSCRs.
The Secretary and Foreign Ministers also condemned North Korea’s malicious cyber activities, including the theft of nearly $1.5 billion in cryptocurrency from an exchange in February. They urged the international community to prevent the DPRK from converting the stolen funds into hard cash.
They pledged to continue efforts to address the severe human rights violations in the DPRK and reiterated their commitment to the immediate resolution of issues related to abductees, detainees, unrepatriated prisoners of war, and separated families.
Enhancing Economic Security and Resilience
The Secretary and Foreign Ministers pledged to strengthen energy security and cooperation, supported by America’s LNG and other energy technologies, in a mutually beneficial way.
Building on discussions in Munich, they committed to diversifying critical mineral supply chains, including through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), and to developing and protecting critical and emerging technologies. They emphasized leveraging industry capacities to advance civil nuclear reactor development under the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation.
They recognized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure maritime security through a modern fleet, strong shipbuilding industry, and skilled workforce. The trilateral coast guard cooperation was welcomed to address maritime challenges and provide capacity-building assistance under the Trilateral Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation Framework.
Standing against economic coercion and unfair trade practices, they reaffirmed their commitment to a free and fair global economic order and expressed support for the Republic of Korea’s efforts to host APEC 2025 and achieve meaningful outcomes.
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President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. could impose "big" tariffs on British goods if the UK does not remove its digital services tax. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said Washington was ready to act in response to the levy on major American technology firms.
European Union leaders were set to discuss the bloc’s mutual assistance clause at a summit in southern Cyprus on Thursday, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of traditional allies raises concerns over his commitment to NATO.
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed takeover of the media group, advancing a deal valued at roughly $110 billion including debt in a move that could reshape Hollywood and the global entertainment industry.
Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen on Thursday (23 April), injuring 17 people, five of them critically, according to emergency services.
The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tehran said U.S. breaches, blockades and threats are undermining “genuine negotiations.”
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war are intensifying, with the White House confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump will send special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Iran under Pakistani mediation.
The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
China has urged the European Union to take its concerns seriously over new cybersecurity and digital regulations, warning they could create difficulties for Chinese companies operating in Europe.
Russia and Ukraine have swapped prisoners of war, according to officials on both sides. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 193 prisoners, including soldiers and border guards, had been returned from Russia, some injured and facing criminal charges.
Türkiye and the United Kingdom on Thursday signed a wide-ranging strategic partnership agreement to boost bilateral cooperation, especially in defence. The deal, signed in London, signals a “new era” in relations between the two NATO allies.
The U.S. and the European Union are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday to establish a partnership on the procurement and production of critical minerals, the U.S. State Department confirmed late on Thursday.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
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