US, Japan, South Korea Reaffirm Ties Ahead of Trump Xi Summit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in New York on Monday, with the three governments issuing a joint statement that reaffirmed American defense commitments to Japan and South Korea and expressed support for stability in the Taiwan Strait. The meeting, held during United Nations General Assembly week, came days before President Donald Trump hosts Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House on Thursday. The joint statement said the United States reiterated its ironclad commitments to the defense of Japan and the Republic of Korea, backed by its military strength, including nuclear capabilities, and reaffirmed its extended deterrence commitments to both allies. The ministers emphasized robust security cooperation and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and expressed support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations. China claims the democratically governed island as its own territory.