The Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya during the APEC summit to reaffirm the significance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance as a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders emphasized that this alliance has evolved into a robust global partnership.
In light of recent developments, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on October 31, Blinken and Iwaya condemned North Korea’s actions and discussed the concerning deployment of DPRK troops to Russia. They highlighted the necessity of institutionalizing trilateral cooperation among the US, Japan, and South Korea, alongside enhancing collaboration through frameworks such as the G7, Quad, and US-Japan-Philippines trilateral partnerships. These efforts aim to promote peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Blinken reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, asserting that the United States opposes any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the region. Additionally, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to aligning economic and technology strategies between the U.S. and Japan, signaling a unified approach to address global challenges and enhance bilateral cooperation.
