Shaping the 21st century through U.S.-ROK-Japan teamwork

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Published: 24 Mar. 2024, 16:01

Shaping the 21st century through U.S.-ROK-Japan teamwork

Ami Bera
The author has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013. Currently a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, he has mostly served in the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

As I am visiting Seoul this week with a bipartisan group of Members of the Congress, I can’t help but feel excited. Our visit promises not only diplomatic engagements but also a deeper connection to the rich culture and warm hospitality of Korea.

As I travel around the world, I am constantly reminded of the bonds that are deeply rooted in genuine people-to-people exchanges and transcend formal alliances.

This year’s visit is particularly significant, coming on the heels of the successful Third Summit for Democracy in Seoul last week. Hosted by South Korea, a nation standing firm against autocratic threats from North Korea, the summit underscored the universal value of democracy. I extend my congratulations to President Yoon Suk Yeol for his exemplary leadership on this global stage, reinforcing South Korea’s pivotal role in championing democratic ideals.

In the complicated web of global relationships, the alliance between the United States and South Korea stands out as a beacon of success and resilience. Based on shared values and mutual strategic interests, this relationship grew significantly over the decades. It culminated in the Washington Declaration signed during President Yoon’s state visit to the U.S. last year.

This pivotal agreement marks a transformative chapter in the U.S.-ROK alliance, with a commitment to a deeper cooperative decision-making on nuclear deterrence, including the groundbreaking Nuclear Consultative Group. Such measures have become increasingly vital as North Korea escalates its nuclear provocations, evidenced by the launch of over 80 missiles since early 2022, including multiple tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) aimed at the continental United States.

The threat from the North ventures beyond conventional military capabilities, extending into the cyberspace domain. North Korea has developed a sophisticated state-sponsored hacking syndicate, targeting South Korea and the United States to siphon off vast sums of money, allegedly to fund its nuclear ambitions.

This cyber threat underscores the urgent need for multidimensional cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea, not only in traditional security realms but also in confronting challenges in cyberspace. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and co-chair of FMC’s Congressional Study Group on Korea, I am wholly committed to advancing this critical collaboration, embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing that will shape the 21st century.

The importance of the U.S.-ROK partnership extends to the trilateral relationship with Japan, which was strengthened by last year’s historic summit at Camp David attended by President Joe Biden, President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The summit underscored a collective response to the increasingly complex challenges posed by Russia and North Korea — nations that have shown a concerning alignment in their strategic interests. The necessity for close cooperation among the United States, South Korea and Japan has never been more important, serving as a cornerstone for stability in these tumultuous times.

Our collaboration is not limited to security and technology; it also encompasses economic, trade, and cultural ties.

Both South Korea and Japan are integral participants in the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), an initiative focusing on important areas like supply chains and clean energy. This cooperation helps businesses and economies diversify and derisk supply chains and build resilience against economic coercion. Trilateral economic collaboration fosters a more balanced and prosperous regional order.

The shared cultural passion for baseball exemplifies the deep connections between our peoples. The season opener in Seoul, featuring California’s beloved Dodgers and Padres, was a celebration of talent, including stars like Kim Ha-seong and Shohei Ohtani. Baseball, a sport revered in the United States, South Korea and Japan, embodies the spirit of teamwork and collective effort. It serves as a metaphor for our international cooperation, highlighting how working together is essential in addressing global challenges.

My vision for the future of this partnership is clear. The United States, South Korea and Japan must continue to strengthen their bonds, leveraging their combined strengths to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Through teamwork and shared resolve, we can surmount the international problems that confront us, just as players unite on the baseball field.

Our trilateral cooperation is not merely a diplomatic necessity; it is a testament to the power of unity and the enduring spirit of two alliances in pursuing peace and prosperity for all.