Three defense chiefs from Japan, the U.S., and South Korea have come together to sign a historic security cooperation framework, aiming to strengthen their defense ties and make them more resilient. The memorandum of cooperation, while not legally binding, signifies a commitment to counter the growing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, South Korean defense chief Shin Won-sik, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have agreed to enhance trilateral defense engagement through policy consultations, information-sharing, joint exercises, and defense exchange cooperation.
This agreement, effective immediately, marks a new era of trilateral cooperation and is aimed at promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader Indo-Pacific region. The joint statement released after the signing emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in addressing regional security challenges. As the world prepares for a new U.S. president to take office in January, this landmark security framework sets the stage for continued cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and South Korea.