On February 12, 2022, the U.S. Secretary of State, the Japanese Foreign Minister, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a joint statement regarding the “critical importance of strong U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation as we seek to address the most pressing 21st Century challenges.” The statement focused on the importance of “trilateral cooperation” and emphasized the fact that the “three countries share[d] a common view of a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, and shared respect for the rules-based international order.” In the joint statement, the parties, “committed to close trilateral cooperation to achieve complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.” Through the joint statement the parties reaffirmed “their commitment to U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation that is grounded in our shared values and desire for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”