Countries & Regions
Seventh Japan-United States-Australia Trilateral Strategic Dialogue
On August 7, commencing at 9 a.m. (local time) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs held the seventh Japan-United States-Australia Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD) with Mr. Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State of the United States of America, and Ms. Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, in Manila, the Philippines, during his visit to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
A joint statement (PDF)
was also issued.
1. General remarks
Secretary Tillerson, who chaired the meeting, and Minister Bishop stated that it is extremely significant for Japan, the United States and Australia to hold regular meetings, deepen coordination, and demonstrate solidarity. Minister Kono expressed his pleasure at being able to attend the TSD immediately after the appointment as Foreign Minister. The three ministers held an in-depth exchange of views on regional issues, such as North Korea, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and measures to counter violent extremism, and they also concurred that the three countries will closely cooperate and coordinate, including on these issues.
2. Regional affairs
(1) North Korea
Regarding North Korea, Minister Kono expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation in areas such as strengthening of deterrence, strengthening of sanctions and delivering strong messages, in order to further strengthen the pressure on North Korea, which poses the threat to the region and the international community. The three ministers affirmed that the three countries will continue to work together closely. Minister Kono also stated that the resolution of the abductions issue is the most important issue for Japan, and obtained renewed understanding and support from the United States and Australia for Japan’s efforts.
(2) South China Sea
The three ministers shared serious concerns regarding the situation in the South China Sea and affirmed that the three countries will coordinate closely in addressing the issue, including at the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.
(3) East China Sea
The three ministers discussed the situation in the East China Sea and affirmed that they will continue to remain in close communication. Secretary Tillerson reaffirmed that the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands.
(4) Measures to counter violent extremism
The three ministers affirmed that the three countries will continue to coordinate closely in light of the expansion of the threat of violent extremism and terrorism to the Asian region.