Groundbreaking U.S.-South Korea-Japan Alliance: A Bold New Era for Indo-Pacific Security

Kim Yong Hyeon, Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea; Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense of the United States; Nakatani Gen, Minister of Defense of Japan; Gilberto Teodoro, Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines; and Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry of Australia, convened their first meeting on Thursday in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The ministers emphasized their shared commitment to advancing a vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region that respects international law and sovereignty.

They highlighted the importance of close multilateral cooperation to support regional security and stability, reaffirmed the centrality and unity of ASEAN, and stressed the significance of ASEAN-led regional cooperation frameworks.

The ministers underscored the progress in strengthening defense cooperation and reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to collaboration.