New york: The United States, Japan, and South Korea have emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, voicing concerns over “increasingly frequent destabilizing actions” in the region. This joint statement was issued by the U.S. State Department following a meeting during the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Focus Taiwan, the three governments have encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, referencing China’s threat to annex Taiwan by force. They also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.
The joint statement followed discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun. The meeting covered security and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition, the United States reaffirmed its “ironclad commitments to the defense of Japan and the ROK,” with pledges of extended deterrence supported by America’s military strength, including nuclear capabilities. The countries also rejected unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea and opposed any attempts to change the status quo through destabilizing actions.
They highlighted their commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and adherence to international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), emphasizing freedoms of navigation and overflight.
The statement also mentioned cooperation in other areas, such as potential trilateral coast guard exchanges, coordination on Arctic issues, and urging Russia and Ukraine toward a “durable negotiated settlement.” Furthermore, it reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea’s complete denuclearization under UN Security Council resolutions.
Efforts to bolster energy security were also discussed, citing U.S. liquefied natural gas and other resources, while pledging to diversify critical supply chains and accelerate the development of advanced civil nuclear reactors.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson Hsiao Kuangwei noted that this was the third meeting this year where the countries reaffirmed their support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Hsiao welcomed the international community’s attention to cross-strait issues, emphasizing Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its national defense capabilities and working with partners to ensure peace and prosperity in the region.
