U.S., South Korea, and Japan Address Escalating DPRK Threats in Trilateral Meeting

Image Credit, US Gov. Assistant Secretary of State Social Media

On December 9, 2024, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink convened with Japan’s Director General Namazu Hiroyuki and Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice Foreign Minister Cho Koo-rae in a trilateral meeting focused on rising concerns over the developments in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The discussions highlighted the increasing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, alongside the ongoing expansion of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs.

The three nations expressed deep concern over the growing military ties between the DPRK and Russia, calling for an immediate halt to this cooperation. The alliance underscored the importance of addressing the security risks posed by the DPRK’s actions, particularly its efforts to further develop military capabilities with the assistance of its closest allies—Russia and China. This military partnership has raised alarms about the potential for further destabilization in the region, with each of the countries in the trilateral meeting committed to countering this growing threat.

The focus of the meeting also extended to the DPRK’s cyber operations, which have been used to fund its missile and weapons programs. The United States, South Korea, and Japan discussed steps to further disrupt these illicit cyber activities, building on the outcomes of the Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group on DPRK Cyber Threats. These discussions emphasized the need for continued, coordinated action to counter North Korea’s cyber-enabled revenue generation, which is seen as an essential tool for the regime’s continued military advancements.

The meeting also addressed human rights concerns, specifically the return of abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war held by the DPRK. The three sides reiterated their commitment to securing the return of these individuals and reaffirmed the importance of addressing the ongoing human rights abuses within North Korea. The conversation reflected a shared recognition of the importance of holding the regime accountable for its actions, although this issue, like many others, continues to be a point of diplomatic contention.

At the heart of the meeting was the reaffirmation of the trilateral alliance’s cooperation in facing these shared challenges. The United States, Japan, and South Korea emphasized their commitment to working together and stressed the need for a unified response to the evolving threat posed by the DPRK. While diplomacy is often seen as a game of competing interests, the countries involved have consistently acted with the intention of protecting their national security and advancing their own strategic goals. Despite differences in approach, each of the leaders involved in this trilateral framework is pursuing what they believe to be in the best interests of their own countries, even if it means opposing North Korea’s actions in concert with their allies.

In the end, the trilateral meeting on December 9 reflected the continued need for diplomatic engagement, with the United States, South Korea, and Japan united in their call for the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions, particularly its military collaboration with Russia and its ongoing pursuit of nuclear capabilities. The alliance remains committed to working together to maintain peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, with the shared goal of promoting regional stability and restarting dialogue with North Korea.