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

The United States has emphasized its support for key Asian allies Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan as they prepare for upcoming meetings with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts warn that Japan and South Korea are concerned that Trump may make concessions to Xi, particularly regarding Taiwan and trade, in exchange for a favorable economic deal with China during his White House summit with Xi on Thursday.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have both expressed a desire to meet with Trump at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the three leaders are scheduled to speak on Tuesday. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held meetings in New York with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun and Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

The ministers issued a joint statement vowing to stand firm against economic coercion, non-market policies, and arbitrary export restrictions that disrupt supply chains. They also emphasized their commitment to robust security cooperation and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, reaffirming their support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.

Taiwan's foreign ministry welcomed the joint public support for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, describing it as a strong consensus of the international community. The ministers also reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and called on it to resume dialogue. As concerns about Taiwan and its status in China's eyes persist, allies are closely watching any trade announcements from the Trump-Xi summit for their potential impact on competitiveness relative to China.

If trade barriers are reduced, it could weaken the position of allies like Japan and South Korea. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has previously angered Beijing by suggesting Tokyo might be drawn into a conflict over Taiwan, while Seoul and Washington continue to negotiate details of a $350 billion South Korean investment package in the US under a recent trade deal.