President Joe Biden is set to hold talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru. The meeting comes as North Korea has bolstered its military ties with Russia and increased its ballistic missile tests.
North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to assist Russia in reclaiming land in the Kursk border region seized by Ukraine earlier this year. Additionally, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has conducted a series of ballistic missile tests, claiming progress in developing the capability to strike the U.S. mainland.
White House officials are wary of potential provocative actions by North Korea leading up to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Concerns include the possibility of a seventh nuclear test and historical patterns of provocative actions during presidential transitions.
Reports indicate that up to 12,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, along with significant munitions supplies. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea plan to discuss the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia and coordinate their responses.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba, who took office in October, aims to enhance military capabilities and strengthen cooperation with U.S. forces. The trilateral talks build on a partnership initiated in 2023 to address security threats from North Korea and China.
The three countries have pledged to consult, share information, and align messaging in times of crisis. The Biden administration seeks to ensure continued cooperation among the nations, with bipartisan support expected to persist under the incoming Trump administration.
Both South Korea and Japan have engaged with Trump to maintain stable relationships amid escalating tensions. Recent North Korean missile tests and military activities have raised concerns, prompting joint drills with the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
Biden will also meet with Peru President Dina Boluarte during the summit. The discussions aim to address the evolving security landscape in the Asia-Pacific region and reinforce diplomatic ties among the nations involved.
