
Close Cooperation with Japan and South Korea Remains Vital for the United States
Mira Rapp-Hooper, senior director for East Asia and Oceania at the National Security Council, emphasized the importance of continued close cooperation with Japan and South Korea in the face of growing security challenges from Russia and North Korea. In an exclusive interview, she stressed that this trilateral partnership "must continue no matter who is in office."
Rapp-Hooper highlighted the benefits of continued cooperation, including reducing the risk of any one country disrupting the partnership in the future. She also expressed concern about North Korea's increasing cooperation with Russia, which has provided weapons and soldiers to support Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This cooperation, she said, is adversely impacting the security environment from Europe to Asia.
Despite the challenges, Rapp-Hooper underscored the importance of seeking dialogue with North Korea to address the threats it poses. She also acknowledged the Biden administration's struggles to engage with North Korea, which has shown no willingness to meet with U.S. officials.
The Biden administration has focused on collaboration with Japan and South Korea to counterbalance the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Rapp-Hooper emphasized the long-term efforts to institutionalize this trilateral partnership, which has expanded beyond national security to include economic security and assistance to Southeast Asia and Pacific island nations.
Regarding the continuing crisis in South Korea, Rapp-Hooper expressed concern and emphasized the importance of domestic stability and procedures in accordance with the Constitution. She also acknowledged China's increasing assertiveness in the region and commended Japan's role as a partner in addressing these concerns.
Rapp-Hooper concluded by emphasizing the significance of expanding U.S.-Japan joint military exercises and bolstering coordination between the U.S. military and the Self-Defense Forces. She expressed confidence that this partnership will continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.