China, North Korea on the agenda, as US, Japan, South Korea leaders convene to forge closer ties

Mr Walters said it is important to lock these down for future political considerations, so that the countries will still have these agreements even if Mr Biden, Mr Kishida or Mr Yoon are no longer in office, “because they eventually will change”.

DIFFERENCES STILL TO BE IRONED OUT

There remains, however, issues to be ironed out among the three countries.

Mr Matthew Goodman, senior vice-president for economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that some of the economic policies pursued by the Biden administration at home has a “protectionist bent” which concerns its allies like Japan and Korea.

These include policies which are good for US growth, along with potential critical investments in clean energy that would reduce costs and provide new technologies for its people.

“So I think there are still some doubts on the economic side about the Biden administration’s approach to the region,” said Mr Goodman.