Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

North Korea remains Japan's most immediate national security concern and a key feature of our diplomatic engagement with Tokyo. North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and past abduction of Japanese citizens underscore the tangible threat the DPRK poses to Japan's national security. North Korea's recent provocative actions have reinforced Japan's concerns and led to enhanced ROK-Japan cooperation and closer trilateral U.S.-ROK-Japan coordination.