South Korea, Japan and US military pact to counter China, the North could lead to ‘new Cold War’

Recently, defense leaders from South Korea and the United States concluded important discussions. Their talks showed the US's intention to broaden security concerns beyond the North Korean threat to include China's assertive actions. The South Korea-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) gave insights into the progress of a security partnership formed during a summit at Camp David, which also involved Japan.

The SCM traditionally focuses on North Korea, but this year's agenda expanded to address security issues related to China. A joint statement from the meeting emphasized the role of the US-South Korea alliance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. They also highlighted the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and opposed China's forceful maritime claims in the South China Sea.

In preparation for potential threats, the US, South Korea, and Japan agreed to conduct joint military exercises and share intelligence on North Korean missile threats. While these actions are primarily aimed at deterring North Korea, they also serve as a strategic move against China's regional influence. Experts suggest that this trilateral cooperation could lead to increased tensions, potentially sparking a 'new Cold War' scenario. However, the focus remains on economic recovery and avoiding direct confrontation with China.