Discussion on Trilateral Maritime Exercises and Information Sharing among Korea, the US, and Japan

Haegaksa - US 7th Fleet Commander Meeting Photo

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] South Korea, the United States, and Japan held a trilateral naval commanders' meeting to strengthen cooperation in responding to North Korea's ballistic missile provocations.

According to the Navy on the 22nd, Kim Myung-soo (Lieutenant General), Commander of the Naval Operations Command, visited the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Headquarters in Yokosuka, Japan, and held a trilateral naval commanders' meeting with Carl Thomas (Lieutenant General), Commander of the 7th Fleet, and Saito Akira (Vice Admiral), Commander of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet.

The maritime commanders of Korea, the United States, and Japan are discussing key issues aboard the US Blue Ridge and taking a commemorative photo. [From left: Republic of Korea Navy Operations Commander Lieutenant General Kim Myung-soo, US 7th Fleet Commander Lieutenant General Karl Thomas, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Commander Saito Akira (Rear Admiral/Major General level)]

The commanders discussed key issues such as trilateral training plans to prepare for North Korean missile provocations and strengthening maritime operational information sharing. They condemned North Korea's recent missile launches as "serious provocative acts that threaten peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the international community."

North Korea recently resumed ballistic missile provocations, launching one Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the 18th and two 600mm-class super-large multiple rocket launchers (SRBM) on the 20th.

Prior to this, Commander Kim held a separate meeting with Commander Thomas and the commanders of the Naval Operations Command and the U.S. 7th Fleet. In this meeting, both sides discussed enhancing information sharing during maritime operations and ways to promote security and exchange cooperation among multinational navies in the region. They also discussed the development direction of joint exercises planned for this year, marking the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.