Military leaders from the United States, Australia, and Japan have voiced their concerns about the growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, as well as their arms deals. In a joint statement released on Friday after their trilateral talks in Hawaii, the leaders strongly condemned the increasing military cooperation between the two countries.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, along with his Australian and Japanese counterparts, Richard Marles and Minoru Kihara, discussed various regional and global issues during the meeting, including North Korea, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea.
The leaders condemned North Korea’s repeated missile launches, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, and reiterated their commitment to working with the international community to address the threat posed by Pyongyang. They also called on North Korea to immediately resolve the abduction issue and end human rights violations.
In regards to China, the defense leaders expressed their firm opposition to any attempt by Beijing to unilaterally alter the status quo through force or coercion in the South and East China Seas. They specifically mentioned concerning and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, such as unsafe encounters at sea and in the air, militarization of disputed areas, and the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militias.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and urged a peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. The joint statement further highlighted the need for cooperation to address the challenges posed by North Korea, Russia, and China.
The discussions in Hawaii underscored the ongoing efforts of the United States, Australia, and Japan to promote regional security and stability amidst growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.