US, Japan, and South Korea align stance before Trump meets Xi Jinping

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held meetings with the foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea ahead of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to Reuters.

Rubio met in New York with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The talks took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Following the meeting, the US, Japan, and South Korea issued a joint statement in which they pledged to counter economic coercion and non-market practices, as well as arbitrary export restrictions that could disrupt supply chains.

The countries also welcomed the launch of a new trilateral consultation mechanism on economic security. Its goal is to strengthen supply chains and cooperation in the field of critical technologies.

US reaffirms defense commitments

The statement notes that Washington reaffirmed its defense commitments to Japan and South Korea, including the application of US military capabilities and nuclear options.

The parties also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and expressed support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in relevant international organizations.

Regarding North Korea, the US, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to its complete denuclearization and called on Pyongyang to resume dialogue.

What US allies fear

The meeting took place ahead of the Trump-Xi talks, scheduled for September 24 in Washington. According to Reuters, US allies in Asia are concerned that the American president might make concessions to China regarding Taiwan or trade in exchange for economic agreements with Beijing.

Japan and South Korea will pay particular attention to possible trade decisions following the summit. Analysts note that even a softening of trade barriers for China could affect the competitiveness of these countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are scheduled to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. According to officials, both leaders are interested in a personal meeting with Trump.

Separately, the US and South Korea are continuing negotiations on the implementation of a $350 billion investment package.

On Monday, a South Korean opposition lawmaker urged parliament to review the terms of this agreement, stating that negotiations on energy projects could create disproportionate financial risks for Seoul.

As is known, Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit the US from September 23–25 at Trump's invitation. During the visit, the presidents are expected to discuss key issues in relations between Washington and Beijing, as well as international matters.

The leaders last met this year in May, when Trump visited Beijing.