The United States, South Korea, and Japan have issued a unified condemnation of the burgeoning military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, warning of its destabilizing impact on global security. Speaking at a joint news conference during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, outgoing US President Joe Biden emphasized the critical role of the trilateral alliance in countering threats from North Korea and Russia.

The summit marked Joe Biden’s final trilateral meeting as president before being succeeded by President-elect Donald Trump in January 2025. Joe Biden reflected on his administration’s efforts to strengthen ties among the three nations, describing their cooperation as “built to last.” His departure, however, comes amid shifting political dynamics and growing uncertainty about the US’s future foreign policy direction under Trump, who advocates an “America First” agenda.

North Korea recently formalized a military treaty with Russia, pledging mutual defense and bolstering Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Reports suggest that up to 10,000 North Korean troops have already been deployed to Russia’s border with Ukraine, signaling a significant escalation in the conflict. In a joint statement, the US, South Korea, and Japan strongly condemned the alliance, calling it a dangerous expansion of Russia’s aggression. The leaders specifically highlighted the transfer of munitions and ballistic missiles between North Korea and Russia, describing it as “particularly egregious” given Russia’s role as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru joined Joe Biden in denouncing the alliance. Yoon stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation to address the growing presence of North Korean troops abroad and the region’s challenging security environment. Shigeru, who assumed office in October, has called for a more balanced US-Japan partnership, including shared management of American military bases in Japan. Both leaders expressed hope for annual trilateral meetings to strengthen their alliance.

As Joe Biden’s administration draws to a close, his efforts to support Ukraine remain a key focus. The president plans to expedite military aid to Ukraine, ensuring its ability to counter Russian aggression. However, Trump’s impending presidency raises questions about the US’s long-term commitment to Ukraine. Critics fear Trump’s “America First” policy could lead to greater isolationism, with some Republicans in Congress already opposing continued aid to Ukraine.

Speculation about Trump’s foreign policy plans deepened after a former adviser suggested that the president-elect might prioritize peace negotiations over territorial integrity for Ukraine. While Trump’s team has distanced itself from these remarks, concerns persist about potential compromises under his administration. The evolving geopolitical landscape underscores the importance of international alliances as the world faces rising security challenges.

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