On the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru, U.S. President Joe Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday. This marked their first in-person meeting, aimed at fortifying trilateral relations before the incoming Trump administration, which has sparked concerns about the stability of global alliances.
The leaders discussed critical regional issues, including heightened tensions with North Korea. The nation has been deploying troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine while continuing its nuclear weapons program. Biden also addressed concerns over potential escalations with China, especially as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20. Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods have raised fears of economic disruption and further strain on U.S.-China relations.
During the meeting, the three leaders announced the creation of a “secretariat” to formalize and sustain their trilateral partnership. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted the need for this cooperation to evolve beyond occasional summits.
“This cooperation will be the foundation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for years to come,” Biden stated.
Strengthening the partnership between Japan and South Korea, historically strained due to Japan’s colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945, is regarded as a key achievement of Biden’s administration. However, questions persist about Trump’s commitment to such alliances, given his “America First” policy and skepticism toward U.S. support for allies.
Biden views the alliance as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, though Beijing has dismissed these efforts. Meanwhile, Yoon held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit, with Biden and Ishiba also planning separate discussions with Xi.
As Biden prepares to step down, concerns remain about potential provocations from North Korea during the transition period. Sullivan cautioned, “Historically, transitions are periods when the DPRK has taken provocative actions,” underscoring the importance of vigilance.
The summit showcased Biden’s effort to strengthen regional stability, leaving a foundation of unity that may face challenges under the Trump administration.