LIMA, Peru — President Joe Biden is set to convene with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday, as global focus sharpens on the escalating military relations between North Korea and Russia. The discussions occur during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, amidst North Korea’s increased missive of ballistic missile rollouts and military support for Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Recently, North Korea has reportedly dispatched thousands of troops to Russia, reportedly to assist in regaining territories in the Kursk border region that Ukraine captured earlier this year. Additionally, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has instigated a series of missile tests prior to the upcoming U.S. elections, claiming advancements in North Korea’s capabilities to target the U.S. mainland.
Concerns loom in Washington that further provocations from Pyongyang may emerge as the transition period to the new presidential administration approaches. Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, indicated in his statements that vigilance is vital, especially with the looming threat of a potential seventh nuclear test. Sullivan expressed doubts about a lull in aggressive actions from North Korea, particularly noting historical patterns during presidential transitions.
The entry of North Korean troops into the Russia-Ukraine conflict coincides with winter developments suggesting Russia has gained some momentum in its territorial battles. There are indications that Trump may advocate for Ukraine to concede certain territories to Russland in hopes of reaching a negotiated resolution to the war.
Intelligence estimates from U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine suggest that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia, with North Korea reportedly supplying considerable munitions as well. As per South Korea’s intelligence agency reports, since August 2023, the North has transferred over 13,000 containers filled with artillery, missiles, and other conventional weapons to aid Russia in replenishing its thresholds of military inventory.
During the imminent meeting, Biden, Yoon, and Ishiba plan to address the situation concerning the North Korean troops in Russia and strategize ways for enhanced cooperation among their nations. This encounter signifies the first in-person discussion between Biden and Ishiba, who recently took office on October 1, succeeding a less favored leadership.
Ishiba has expressed intentions to pursue a military expansion plan based on a security strategy from 2022, which aims to establish a counterstrike capability incorporating long-range cruise missiles, marking a notable shift from Japan’s self-defense strategy. He also aims to enhance operational compatibility among U.S. and Japanese forces.
These trilateral talks are a continuation of a partnership initiated during a landmark 2023 meeting between Biden, Yoon, and Ishiba at Camp David. In that context, Biden motivated both Japan and South Korea to bridge historical conflicts and fortify their economic and security relations in response to the North Korean threat and increasing military posturing by China in the region.
The countries have collectively pledged to maintain open communication and synchronize their responses amid crises. Sullivan remarked on the administration’s dedicated efforts to embed this trilateral cooperation as a lasting element of U.S. foreign policy, anticipating its continuity under Trump’s leadership despite the incoming team’s policies.
Both Yoon and Ishiba have proactively engaged with Trump, aspiring to sustain solid bilateral connections with the incoming administration amid escalating tensions. Prior to the U.S. Election Day, North Korea launched a sequence of short-range ballistic missiles, signaling assertiveness in its military capabilities. This activity followed a strategic test of North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile, designed to target the U.S., prompting U.S. military displays of strength through joint operations featuring a long-range B-1B bomber alongside South Korea and Japan.
In addition to his discussions with East Asian leaders, Biden will also hold a meeting with Peru’s President Dina Boluarte on Friday.
