The United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea held their fourth Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group meeting in Tokyo on August 27 and 28 to address cyber threats linked to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The session was led by Jonathan Fritz, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Miyake Fumito, Japanese Ambassador in charge of Cyber Policy; and Baek Yoon Jeong, Deputy Director General for International Security and Korean Peninsula Policy at the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nineteen government departments from the three countries participated.
The group reviewed progress made in strengthening cooperation aimed at disrupting North Korea’s ability to raise and move funds through malicious cyber activities, use of IT workers, and third-party facilitators. These activities are believed to support North Korea’s unlawful weapons programs.
Ongoing coordination efforts include measures to limit DPRK actors’ access to jurisdictions where they generate revenue and actions to prevent private sector companies from being targeted or exploited by these actors. The participants also discussed future collaboration with the artificial intelligence industry, implementation of autonomous sanctions, and increased law enforcement cooperation.
According to a joint statement: “The chairs reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region through the Quad.”
The meeting concluded with appreciation expressed for its productivity and an eagerness among leaders to further enhance bilateral relationships for the benefit of both America and India.