US stresses backing for Japan, Korea and Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

In a statement issued on Monday, the United States reaffirmed its dedication to the security of its crucial Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, as well as Taiwan. The trio of nations expressed their backing for Taiwan's position ahead of an imminent summit scheduled for the following week, where U.S. President Donald Trump will engage in discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Experts suggest that the Asian allies are apprehensive about the possibility of President Trump making concessions to Xi, potentially concerning Taiwan and trade issues, in exchange for an economic advantage with China when Trump hosts Xi at the White House on Thursday. Officials reveal that both Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are eager to meet with President Trump during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where all three nations will be addressing the assembly on Tuesday.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun, and Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in New York. During their meeting, a joint statement was released, in what appears to be an indirect reference to China, vowing to remain steadfast against economic coercion and non-market policies and practices. They also welcomed the opportunity to engage in discussions with President Trump in the upcoming summit.