DPRK, maritime dominates US, Japan, India trilateral

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The issues surrounding the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the freedom of maritime navigation dominated the trilateral meeting held between USA, India and Japan in New York on September 18.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono attended the meeting.

Sushma Swaraj, from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The ministers emphasized the need for ensuring freedom of navigation, respect for international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.”

On the issue of the DPRK, she maintained the EAM deplored the DPRK’s recent actions and stated that its proliferation linkages must be explored and those involved be held accountable.

However, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson lauded the efforts of international community on the DPRK issue. He said “the ministers affirmed and applauded the international community’s firm resolve to oppose the DPRK’s unlawful acts, as reflected in UN Security Council Resolution 2375, and called for continuing international action to curtail the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs."

Tillerson also maintained that a free and open Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by a resilient and rule-based architecture would enable every nation to prosper. The ministers also affirmed the importance of the freedoms of navigation and overflight and the free flow of lawful commerce in the region and around the globe, including in the South China Sea.

Japanese Foreign Minister, Taro Kono, on the issue of the DPRK’s missile tests mentioned that UN sanctions, including new resolution 2375, should be enforced over repeated missile launch by the DPRK.

An article in the Japan Times mentioned that the ministers also confirmed the importance of China’s role in dealing with the DPRK, the officials said.