Biden South Korea Japan meeting/ North Korea Russia alliance/ trilateral talks APEC/ Kim Jong Un missile tests/ North Korea Ukraine war/ Newslooks/ LIMA/ Peru/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will meet during the APEC summit to address North Korea’s growing ties with Russia and its missile program. Concerns center on North Korean troops aiding Russia in Ukraine and increasing provocations ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The leaders aim to strengthen their trilateral security partnership and maintain regional stability amid these escalating threats.
Biden Meets South Korean, Japanese Leaders: Quick Looks
- Trilateral Talks in Peru: Biden, Yoon, and Ishiba convene to address North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia.
- North Korea Troops in Ukraine: Intelligence reports suggest 12,000 North Korean soldiers are aiding Russia’s efforts in the Ukraine conflict.
- Missile Provocations: North Korea escalates ballistic missile tests and claims progress on intercontinental strike capability.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Leaders will reinforce the trilateral security pact initiated at Camp David in 2023.
- Japan’s Military Buildup: Ishiba advocates advancing Japan’s defense capabilities under a revised security strategy.
Biden, Yoon, Ishiba to Discuss North Korean Soldiers in Ukraine
Deep Look
President Joe Biden will host South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday in Lima, Peru, for a high-stakes trilateral meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The discussion comes against a backdrop of rising global concerns about North Korea’s expanding military collaboration with Russia and a series of provocative ballistic missile launches.
North Korea’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine War
One of the primary topics on the agenda is North Korea’s deployment of approximately 12,000 troops to Russia, reportedly assisting Moscow in its attempts to regain territory in the Kursk border region that Ukraine had previously recaptured. This development signals a deeper partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow, as North Korea has also supplied Russia with substantial quantities of munitions, including artillery shells and missiles.
South Korea’s intelligence agency recently confirmed that over 13,000 containers of North Korean military supplies have been shipped to Russia since August 2023. Such developments mark a growing challenge for the U.S. and its allies in curbing Pyongyang’s destabilizing influence.
Missile Tests and Nuclear Threats
North Korea continues to amplify tensions with its rapid succession of missile launches. Just before the U.S. presidential election, Pyongyang conducted a series of ballistic missile tests, including the flight of its newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. Kim Jong Un has framed these tests as critical steps toward bolstering the country’s strike capabilities.
The U.S. responded with a show of military force, deploying a long-range B-1B bomber in a joint exercise with South Korea and Japan, underscoring the strategic importance of trilateral military cooperation.
Strengthening Trilateral Security Cooperation
Friday’s meeting builds on the historic trilateral partnership established at Camp David in 2023, where Biden successfully encouraged Japan and South Korea to strengthen ties despite lingering historical tensions. The leaders pledged to share intelligence, coordinate messaging, and align strategies during crises.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of making this partnership a permanent feature of U.S. foreign policy, noting its bipartisan appeal. However, he acknowledged that its continuity would depend on President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
Japan’s Military Evolution
Prime Minister Ishiba, who took office in October 2024, has promised to maintain Japan’s strategic defense buildup initiated under his predecessor, Fumio Kishida. This includes acquiring long-range cruise missiles and enhancing military collaboration with the U.S. to address threats from North Korea and China.
The trilateral meeting will serve as Ishiba’s first direct engagement with Biden and an opportunity to align on regional security goals. Both Ishiba and Yoon have reached out to Trump’s team to ensure continuity in their nations’ partnerships with the incoming U.S. administration.
Provocation Risks During U.S. Transition
Historically, North Korea has taken provocative actions during transitions between U.S. administrations. The Biden administration remains vigilant for signs of an imminent seventh nuclear test or further missile escalations. Sullivan highlighted the significance of preparing for such scenarios, warning of potential destabilization in the region.
Broader Diplomatic Engagements
In addition to the trilateral talks, Biden will meet with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to discuss regional issues. These meetings reflect Biden’s commitment to leveraging his remaining time in office to bolster international alliances and promote stability.
As North Korea’s actions grow increasingly bold, the coordination among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan signals a unified front in addressing threats to global peace and security.
