The US, Japan and South Korea reaffirm their commitment to a “vital” alliance in the face of threats from North Korea

Oct. 21 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The authorities of the United States, Japan and South Korea have reaffirmed this Friday their commitment to security in the framework of what they have described as a “vital” alliance to face North Korea’s threats in the region.

The heads of the Armed Forces of the three countries have met in Washington to address the situation in full increase in tension due to the ballistic tests carried out by the North Korean authorities, according to a statement from the US government.

Faced with the possibility of Pyongyang carrying out a new nuclear test – which would be the first since September 2017 – General Mark Milley, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Army, has stressed the importance of cooperation between the parties to “maintain regional peace and stability”, while ensuring a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.

Milley and his Japanese and South Korean counterparts, Generals Koji Yamazaki and Kim Seung Kyum, had last met in March during a trip to Hawaii. Subsequently, Milley himself had assured that the United States is committed to the defense of Japanese territory, including the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, in dispute with China.

Now, he has also conveyed to Kim Washington’s willingness to offer “containment” measures to defend South Korea, either through the use of “conventional or nuclear military capabilities.”