Three-Way Talks Between South Korea, US, and Japan to be Held in Malaysia

Strategic Insights -

Top diplomats from South Korea, the United States, and Japan are set to hold high-level talks in Malaysia, marking the first senior diplomatic meeting among the three countries since the launch of South Korea's new government in June. The talks are aimed at addressing trade issues, including the impact of US tariffs on South Korea's key industries, as well as regional security concerns, such as North Korea's military ties with Russia and China's growing assertiveness in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The talks will be held among First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • The meeting will mark the first high-level talks among the senior diplomats of the three countries since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government in early June.
  • The talks will focus on addressing trade issues, including the impact of US tariffs on South Korea's key industries, and regional security concerns, such as North Korea's military ties with Russia and China's growing assertiveness.
  • US President Donald Trump sent letters to Korea, Japan, and other trading partners on Tuesday, July 24, 2025, to notify them that the "reciprocal" tariffs will go into effect on August 1, 2025.
  • South Korea's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, visited Washington earlier this week and held talks with Rubio on the tariff measures and other alliance issues.
  • Park Yoon-joo is expected to join the talks in place of the foreign minister, as the nomination procedure is still under way pending parliamentary confirmation.

Statistics:

  • The talks will be held on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • The meeting will be the first high-level talks among the senior diplomats of the three countries since June 2025.
  • US tariffs will impact South Korea's key industries.
  • North Korea's military ties with Russia are a regional security concern.
  • China's growing assertiveness in the region is a topic for discussion at the talks.

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency, South Korea, July 10, 2025
  • Reuters, July 24, 2025
  • Bloomberg, July 24, 2025