This is not a good sign.
White House National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, disclosed a novel long-term blueprint for joint military exercises involving the United States, Japan, and South Korea. This strategic plan is a response to escalating tensions generated by the actions of China and North Korea.
According to Fox, preceding President Biden’s extensive summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David, Sullivan articulated that the three nations have committed to annual gatherings aimed at formulating a unified agenda encompassing regional security in the Indo-Pacific, technological collaboration, economic partnership, and other crucial matters.
Sullivan stated, “We are ushering in a fresh epoch, one that is underpinned by lasting influence.” He addressed the press, emphasizing, “We are unveiling substantial measures to bolster trilateral security cooperation in the region, effectively countering North Korean provocations. This includes the implementation of a multiyear exercise plan, enhanced synergy and integration concerning ballistic missile defense, and the optimization of information exchange and crisis communication.”
In the context of this initiative, the United States, Japan, and South Korea are poised to enact a novel “duty to consult” commitment, orchestrated by the Biden administration. This pledge acknowledges the shared and intricately connected security landscapes of the three nations. It underscores that a threat posed to any one of them is tantamount to a threat against all. An authoritative figure from the Biden administration elucidated to the Associated Press, “This commitment entails consultations, information sharing, and the alignment of messaging in the face of threats or crises.” Importantly, this commitment is designed to respect each country’s right to self-defense under international law and does not alter pre-existing bilateral treaty obligations between the United States and Japan or the United States and South Korea. Presently, the United States maintains over 80,000 troops stationed in these two countries.
Sullivan lauded this gathering, notable as the first summit convened at the Camp David presidential retreat during Biden’s tenure, as a “momentous” occasion, one that “sets the stage for a more tranquil and prosperous Indo-Pacific, while concurrently fortifying a more resilient and secure United States of America.”
This summit arrives one month subsequent to a meeting between the defense leaders of Russia and North Korea in Pyongyang. During this encounter, both sides concurred on augmented military collaboration. Analysts specializing in defense matters have suggested that North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-19, integrates Russian technological contributions.
Sullivan voiced reservations about the evolving rapport, encompassing technological and security dynamics, between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Although he refrained from confirming allegations of Russian involvement in North Korea’s new ICBM, Sullivan did acknowledge that U.S. intelligence agencies are rigorously investigating this matter. He remarked, “As evident in previous instances, Russia has sought resources for its military endeavors, such as those concerning Ukraine, and in return, they have often extended offers of security cooperation to these nations.”
Sullivan emphasized that North Korea is subject to multiple resolutions outlined by the United Nations Security Council. In this context, he underscored Russia’s heightened obligation as a permanent member of the Security Council to abide by these resolutions.
He was keen to clarify that he does not outright claim that Russia is infringing upon these resolutions. He clarified, “In instances where Russia is not adhering, particularly in matters related to ballistic missile defense technology and related aspects, it could be perceived as openly disregarding and violating U.N. Security Council resolutions.”