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President Biden’s hosting of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David for a trilateral summit marks a significant geopolitical event. The meeting is a remarkable accomplishment, considering the complex history and fluctuating bilateral relationship between South Korea and Japan.

The summit discussions held in the tranquil setting of the Maryland cabin retreat offer an opportunity for the three leaders to make important decisions. It is hoped that President Biden will express gratitude to President Yoon for facilitating the meeting. Yoon, who came into office without previous political experience, has prioritized strengthening ties with the United States, a long-standing ally. He has also sought to repair relations with Japan, including releasing an Indo-Pacific Strategy and renewing engagement with the US alliance system.

This willingness to address the past and focus on regional cooperation rather than North Korea has gained Yoon popularity in both countries. However, it has also faced opposition at home due to historical tensions with Japan. President Biden should acknowledge Yoon’s value as an ally and elevate his standing.

The trilateral relationship between the United States, South Korea, and Japan will play a critical role in maintaining peace in the region and avoiding a conflict with China over Taiwan. This partnership should extend beyond the current leadership in Tokyo and Seoul, becoming a strong military bloc at both operational and defense industrial levels.

One expectation is that the three leaders will build on the Phnom Penh trilateral statement by advancing a new declaration concerning peace and security in the region. This declaration aims to deter China and aligns with the White House’s messaging on the Indo-Pacific. Discussions also include potential joint manufacturing of US munitions and utilization of port facilities. Determining the roles of the three forces in contingency scenarios is also on the agenda.

Concrete gains from the Phnom Penh summit, particularly regarding critical and emerging technologies and economic security, would be another achievement. This could involve public-private partnerships in sectors such as AI, telecommunications, and semiconductors. Efforts to remove China from sensitive supply chains and the establishment of a center of excellence in Seoul are suggested steps.

Additionally, the US and Japan could support South Korea’s regional posture through minilateral and forum collaborations. Including South Korean naval and coast guard forces in joint exercises with the US and Japan could enhance the country’s sea lane security. The possibility of basing a destroyer or coast guard vessel in Hawaii for regular deployment in the Pacific Islands region is also considered.

As the logistical challenges of hosting the summit are addressed, it is important to recognize that sustained efforts are necessary to nurture the relationships forged between the three nations. The invasion of Ukraine underscores the need to protect the Indo-Pacific region. Continued collaboration among the United States, South Korea, and Japan is crucial for maintaining peace.

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