Leaders of the US, Japan, and South Korea at Camp David; Biden: Our countries are stronger and the world is safer

On Friday, US President Joe Biden stated at the historic meeting of the US, Japan, and South Korea at Camp David: "As we stand together, our countries are stronger and the world is safer." This meeting is held in Maryland amid rising concerns about the ongoing nuclear threats from North Korea and provocations from China in the Pacific region. According to the Associated Press and Biden administration officials, the US, Japan, and South Korea agreed on a new security commitment to consult each other in the event of a security crisis or threat in the Pacific. Details of the new security commitment, termed 'duty to consult,' were announced as Biden welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David. Jake Sullivan, Biden's National Security Advisor, told reporters shortly before the summit began, "Let’s just say this is a big deal. It’s a historic event and it sets the conditions for a more prosperous and peaceful Indo-Pacific and a stronger and safer United States." Kishida stated before leaving Tokyo on Thursday that this summit would be "a historic opportunity to strengthen trilateral strategic cooperation" with Seoul and Washington. He added, "In my opinion, given that the security environment around Japan is increasingly deteriorating, the meeting of the leaders of Japan, the US, and South Korea is of extraordinary importance." The summit faced strong criticism from China even before it began. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry told reporters on Friday that the international community would judge who is responsible for escalating tensions. In response to China's concerns, Sullivan stated, "This partnership is not explicitly forming a NATO for the Pacific. It is not against anyone. It is a vision for an Indo-Pacific that is free, open, secure, and prosperous." The Associated Press quoted a senior Biden administration official, who wished to remain anonymous, stating that the three countries, by agreeing on the 'duty to consult,' acknowledge that the security environment of the three countries is interconnected and that a threat to one is a threat to all three. He also mentioned that the three countries would share information, consult, and coordinate their messages in the face of threats or crises. Biden's goal for this gathering is to encourage the two close US allies in Asia to enhance their security and economic cooperation with each other. Japan and South Korea face common security challenges posed by North Korea and China. Both are concerned about the acceleration of North Korea's nuclear program and ballistic missile tests and China's military provocations near Taiwan.