ANKARA

The US has reaffirmed its "extended deterrence commitments" to Japan and South Korea and agreed to continue joint efforts to advance the safety, security, and prosperity of the three countries.

The pledge came during a trilateral meeting of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Monday.

“The United States reiterated its ironclad commitments to the defense of Japan and the ROK (Republic of Korea), backed by America’s unmatched military strength, including its nuclear capabilities,” the ministers said in a joint statement.

I met with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. Our trilateral partnership is critical to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and to advancing economic and security cooperation. pic.twitter.com/ojNPyq1C7c

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) September 22, 2025

The top diplomats also reaffirmed their resolve to bolster defense and deterrence by advancing security cooperation, including through regular trilateral multi-domain military exercises and strengthening their respective defense capabilities.

Without naming China, they said they “strongly opposed unlawful maritime claims” in the South China Sea, as well as attempts to enforce such claims.

They also voiced concern over “destabilizing actions” around Taiwan, urging peaceful resolution of regional issues, opposing unilateral changes to the status quo, and supporting Taiwan’s “meaningful participation in international organizations.”

The US, Japan, and South Korea also reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in line with UN Security Council resolutions, stressing the importance of maintaining sanctions and coordinated responses to Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.

They also expressed alarm over North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia and its “malicious cyber activities,” pledging to deepen trilateral coordination to counter these threats.

South Korea currently hosts more than 28,500 American soldiers, while Japan is home to around 50,000 US troops stationed under a bilateral security pact.

Taiwan's remarks prompt China's reaction

The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the statement.

"The US, Japan, and South Korea have been making irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question and South China Sea-related issues, interfering in China’s internal affairs and smearing China. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this," said Guo Jiakun, the ministry spokesperson.

He stressed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and that the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair.

"To maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, the one-China principle must be upheld, and 'Taiwan independence' must be unequivocally opposed," Guo told reporters in Beijing.

However, Taiwan's top diplomat Lin Chia-lung welcomed the US, Japan, and South Korea reaffirming the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid