Trilateral Meeting Addresses North Korea's Nuclear Threats and China's Economic Coercion

National security advisors from the United States, Japan, and South Korea convened in Seoul on Dec. 9 to enhance cooperation in response to the increasing risks posed by North Korea's nuclear threats and China's economic coercion in East Asia. The meeting, following the historic Camp David Summit in August, focused on coordinating efforts to establish a supply chain warning system, safeguarding critical minerals and rechargeable batteries from disruptions caused by economic coercion.

The three nations, reiterating commitments made at Camp David, acknowledged the vulnerability of countries, such as South Korea, which heavily rely on China for resources. Specific instances, like China's export restrictions on urea affecting South Korea's fertilizer production, highlighted the importance of countering supply chain disruptions. The advisors also emphasized the need for peace in the Taiwan Straits, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and discussed the growing significance of trilateral cooperation in the face of global armed conflicts and threats to the rules-based order.

As part of the bilateral agreement between the United States and South Korea established at Camp David, the countries renewed their commitment to combating false information and information manipulation. The trilateral meeting further outlined collaboration areas in cyberspace, advanced technologies, joint research, technology protection, and AI governance. South Korea announced plans to host the second trilateral summit in Seoul next year, building on the outcomes of the Camp David Summit.