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

The United States emphasized its dedication to safeguarding crucial Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, as well as Taiwan, in advance of a summit scheduled for this week involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts suggest that the U.S. allies are apprehensive that Trump might make concessions to Xi, particularly regarding Taiwan and trade, in exchange for a favorable economic outcome with China when he meets with Xi at the White House on Thursday.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed their desire to meet with the U.S. president during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where all three leaders are set to address 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.

Together, they issued a joint statement, seemingly in response to China's actions, declaring their commitment to remain resolute against economic coercion and non-market policies and practices, including arbitrary export restrictions that disrupt supply chains. They also welcomed the opportunity to engage with the leaders of Japan and South Korea on these pressing issues.