In a call with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin on Aug. 19, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington is committed to defending the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan.
“The Secretary expressed his appreciation for President Yoon [Suk-yeol]’s remarks during his Liberation Day address, particularly the ROK’s concerted efforts to improve its relationship with Japan and secure the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK and Japan,” Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Aug. 19.
The duo exchanged views on the importance of cooperating to uphold “international, rules-based order” and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Taiwan Strait. Blinken highlighted the importance of Washington adopting policies that ensure the economic security of both South Korea and the United States….