Japan, South Korea and U.S. Strengthen Security Ties?

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Japan, South Korea and U.S. Strengthen Security Ties By Gregory Stachel 07 September 2022
Diplomats from the United States, Japan and South Korea confirmed
their commitment to working together against possible threats from North Korea.
The officials represent their countries on nuclear weapons issues. They met
Wednesday in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, agreeing to strengthen their security ties.
"North Korea is continuing and even accelerating its nuclear and missile
capabilities," said Japanese diplomat Takehiro Funakoshi before Wednesday's
discussions. He noted a possible threat of more nuclear tests by North Korea.
U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, Japan's Representative Funakoshi Takehiro, and
South Korea's Representative Kim Gunn prepare to pose for photographs
before their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, Japan on September 7,
2022. (Kazuhiro NOGI/Pool via REUTERS)
The country has performed an unusually high number of missile launches this
year. And the United States has warned that North Korea could sell weapons to Russia.
Wednesday's meeting followed similar talks over the past two months.
One took place between security advisers in Hawaii last week. At the same time,
there were signs North Korea might be performing its first nuclear test since 2017.
Funakoshi said North Korea was welcome to join talks and negotiations with
Japan, South Korea, and the United States. American Representative Sung Kim
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and South Korean Representative Kim Gunn also expressed support for talks that include North Korea.
Sung Kim said the U.S., Japan and South Korea are prepared for any actions
North Korea might carry out. And he said the U.S. goal has not changed: It seeks
denuclearization of Korea.
Japan's Foreign Ministry later said in a statement that the three representatives had
shared deep concerns about North Korea's recent activities.
In August, North Korea fired two missiles from its west coast after South Korea
and the United States began their largest field military training in years. North
Korea has said it considers the training preparation for war.
Kim Sung-han is South Korea's national security adviser. Speaking after the
meeting, he said that the representatives agreed there would be what he called a
"soft" answer if North Korea performed a nuclear test. He did not give details, but
the South Korean government in the past has proposed increasing sanctions.
provocation – n. an action or occurrence that causes someone to become angry or to begin to do something
accelerate – v. to cause (something) to happen sooner or more quickly
capabilities – n. the ability to do something
loom – v. to appear in a large, strange, or frightening form often in a sudden way
sanctions – n. an action taken to force a country to obey international laws by
limiting trade or aid to the country
literally – adv. used to stress a statement or description that is true and accurate though it may be surprising
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