New York, September 23, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic development, the top diplomats from the United States, South Korea, and Japan issued a joint statement on Monday expressing serious concern over rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The statement, released on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region amid growing Chinese military activities near Taiwan. The trilateral meeting, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, highlighted the shared commitment of these nations to uphold a rules-based international order and address regional security challenges collaboratively.
The Taiwan Strait, a narrow body of water separating mainland China from the self-governing island of Taiwan, has long been a flashpoint in East Asian geopolitics. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. In recent years, Beijing has intensified its military presence in the region, conducting large-scale exercises and frequent incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). These actions have raised alarms among regional and global powers, prompting the United States, South Korea, and Japan to reaffirm their collective stance on the issue.
Trilateral Meeting: A Unified Front
The meeting in New York was a continuation of the trilateral cooperation framework established among the United States, South Korea, and Japan to address shared security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. The diplomats emphasized the critical importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which serves as a vital artery for global trade and maritime traffic. Approximately 50% of the world’s container ships pass through the strait annually, making it a linchpin of the global economy. Any disruption in this region could have far-reaching consequences for international trade, energy supplies, and regional security.
In their joint statement, the three countries reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision that has been central to their diplomatic and strategic alignment. The statement explicitly called for all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait, urging dialogue and peaceful resolutions to disputes. While the statement did not directly name China, the context of Beijing’s increasing assertiveness was unmistakable. The diplomats also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, a position that has long been a point of contention with China, which seeks to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, stating, “The United States remains committed to our One China policy, but we are equally steadfast in our support for peace, stability, and the right of all parties to engage in dialogue without coercion.” Blinken’s remarks reflect Washington’s delicate balancing act: adhering to the One China policy, which acknowledges Beijing’s claim over Taiwan, while supporting Taiwan’s democratic government through arms sales and diplomatic engagement.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul echoed Blinken’s sentiments, highlighting the interconnected nature of security in the Indo-Pacific. “The stability of the Taiwan Strait is not only a regional issue but a global one,” Cho said. “South Korea stands with its partners in promoting a rules-based order and preventing any actions that undermine peace.” Cho’s comments signal Seoul’s growing willingness to engage in regional security issues beyond the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea’s nuclear ambitions have traditionally dominated its foreign policy agenda.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who recently assumed his post, underscored Japan’s particular stake in the Taiwan issue due to its geographic proximity and economic ties with the island. “Japan has a direct interest in ensuring that peace prevails in the Taiwan Strait,” Iwaya stated. “We will continue to work closely with our allies to deter any actions that threaten regional stability.” Japan’s concerns are amplified by its own territorial disputes with China, particularly over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which Beijing claims as the Diaoyu Islands.
The Broader Context: China’s Growing Assertiveness
The trilateral statement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, driven by China’s increasingly assertive military and diplomatic posture. Over the past decade, Beijing has significantly expanded its military capabilities, including the development of advanced naval and air forces capable of projecting power across the region. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted regular military exercises near Taiwan, simulating scenarios such as blockades and amphibious landings. These exercises have been accompanied by a steady stream of warplanes crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a de facto boundary that both sides have historically respected.
In 2022, China’s military response to a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei marked a significant escalation. Beijing launched large-scale live-fire drills, including missile launches over Taiwan, prompting international condemnation. Since then, the frequency and scale of Chinese military activities around Taiwan have continued to grow, raising fears of a potential conflict. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that in the first half of 2025 alone, Chinese warplanes entered its ADIZ on over 200 occasions, a record high.
China’s actions are driven by a combination of domestic and international factors. Domestically, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under President Xi Jinping has made reunification with Taiwan a central pillar of its nationalist agenda. Xi has repeatedly stated that the “Taiwan question” must be resolved, even if it requires the use of force. Internationally, China views the United States and its allies as attempting to contain its rise, particularly through strengthened security partnerships like the Quad (comprising the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India) and AUKUS (Australia, the UK, and the U.S.).
The trilateral statement from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan is thus seen as a direct response to these developments. By publicly expressing concern over the Taiwan Strait, the three countries are signaling their intent to counterbalance China’s growing influence and deter any aggressive actions. However, the statement also reflects the delicate nature of the issue, as none of the three countries wishes to provoke an outright confrontation with Beijing.
The Role of the United States
The United States has long been Taiwan’s most important international supporter, providing the island with defensive weapons under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. While the U.S. does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it has deepened its unofficial ties in recent years, including through high-level visits and expanded military cooperation. In 2024, the U.S. approved a $2 billion arms package for Taiwan, including advanced missile defense systems and radar equipment, further straining U.S.-China relations.
Washington’s approach to the Taiwan Strait is guided by its One China policy, which acknowledges Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China but does not explicitly endorse it. This policy allows the U.S. to maintain strategic ambiguity, neither committing to defend Taiwan militarily nor ruling it out. However, recent statements from U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have suggested a willingness to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, raising questions about the future of this ambiguity.
The inclusion of South Korea and Japan in the trilateral statement underscores the Biden administration’s efforts to build a broader coalition to address China’s regional ambitions. By aligning with two key Asian allies, the U.S. is seeking to present a united front and signal to Beijing that any aggressive moves in the Taiwan Strait would face a coordinated response. This approach also reflects the growing importance of multilateralism in U.S. foreign policy, as Washington seeks to counter China’s influence through partnerships rather than unilateral actions.
South Korea’s Evolving Role
South Korea’s participation in the trilateral statement marks a significant shift in its foreign policy. Historically, Seoul has been cautious about taking a public stance on Taiwan, given its economic dependence on China and its focus on North Korean threats. China is South Korea’s largest trading partner, and Seoul has sought to avoid antagonizing Beijing on issues outside the Korean Peninsula. However, under President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea has adopted a more assertive posture in regional security affairs, aligning more closely with the United States and Japan.
This shift is driven by several factors. First, South Korea’s concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific have increased, particularly as Beijing strengthens its ties with North Korea. Second, Seoul sees its participation in regional security frameworks as a way to enhance its global standing and influence. By joining the U.S. and Japan in expressing concern over the Taiwan Strait, South Korea is signaling its willingness to play a larger role in shaping the regional security architecture.
However, South Korea’s involvement is not without risks. China has previously retaliated against South Korea for actions perceived as hostile, such as the deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system in 2017, which led to Chinese economic sanctions. Seoul will need to carefully balance its security commitments with its economic interests, particularly as tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to rise.
Japan’s Strategic Interests
Japan’s concerns about the Taiwan Strait are deeply rooted in its strategic and economic interests. Taiwan is located just 110 kilometers from Japan’s Yonaguni Island, making it a critical buffer against Chinese expansion in the East China Sea. A conflict in the Taiwan Strait could directly threaten Japan’s security, particularly if it disrupts maritime routes or escalates into a broader regional conflict involving the Senkaku Islands.
Japan has also strengthened its defense capabilities in response to China’s growing assertiveness. In 2023, Japan announced plans to double its defense budget by 2027, with a focus on developing long-range strike capabilities and enhancing its maritime forces. Tokyo has also deepened its security cooperation with the United States, including through joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing agreements.
The trilateral statement reflects Japan’s broader strategy of aligning with like-minded democracies to counter China’s influence. By joining the U.S. and South Korea in addressing the Taiwan issue, Japan is reinforcing its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific security architecture. However, like South Korea, Japan must navigate its economic ties with China, which remains a major trading partner.
China’s Response and Regional Implications
China’s foreign ministry responded to the trilateral statement with a sharp rebuke, accusing the United States, South Korea, and Japan of interfering in its internal affairs. “The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair, and no external forces have the right to interfere,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Beijing has consistently opposed any international statements or actions that appear to support Taiwan’s sovereignty, viewing them as a challenge to its territorial integrity.
The trilateral statement is likely to further strain U.S.-China relations, which have been tense over issues ranging from trade to human rights. It may also complicate diplomatic efforts to engage China on other global challenges, such as climate change and nuclear non-proliferation. For South Korea and Japan, the statement risks provoking economic or diplomatic retaliation from Beijing, which has a history of using coercive measures to express its displeasure.
Regionally, the statement could prompt other countries to take a more vocal stance on the Taiwan issue. ASEAN nations, for example, have been divided on how to respond to China’s actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. The trilateral statement may encourage countries like Australia and India, which share concerns about China’s assertiveness, to deepen their coordination with the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The trilateral statement represents a significant step in the evolving security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. By publicly addressing the Taiwan Strait, the United States, South Korea, and Japan are sending a clear message to China that they are united in their commitment to regional stability. However, the statement also underscores the challenges of managing a complex and volatile situation without escalating tensions further.
For the United States, the challenge lies in maintaining its strategic ambiguity while reassuring allies and partners of its commitment to the region. For South Korea and Japan, the challenge is balancing their security interests with their economic ties to China. All three countries must also navigate the broader geopolitical implications of their actions, including the risk of alienating other regional actors or undermining diplomatic efforts on other fronts.
At the same time, the trilateral cooperation offers opportunities to strengthen the rules-based international order and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. By working together, the United States, South Korea, and Japan can leverage their collective diplomatic, economic, and military influence to shape the regional security environment. The inclusion of South Korea in this framework also signals the potential for broader coalitions involving other middle powers, such as Australia and India.
As the United Nations General Assembly continues, the trilateral statement is likely to be a focal point of discussions on regional security. The international community will be closely watching how China responds and whether other nations join the call for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. For now, the statement serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in one of the world’s most critical geopolitical flashpoints.
