An Australia-Japan-Korea Trilateral is Taking Shape in the Indo-Pacific
Table of Contents
- 1. An Australia-Japan-Korea Trilateral is Taking Shape in the Indo-Pacific
- 2. Beyond shared Values: australia, Japan, and South Korea Forge New Pathways in a shifting Indo-Pacific
- 3. How does the concept of “like-positioning” differ from conventional notions of “like-mindedness” in the context of AJK cooperation?
- 4. Navigating the Indo-Pacific: A Deep Dive into the Rise of AJK Cooperation
- 5. Dr. Sato, the term “like-positioning” has been gaining traction in discussions about AJK cooperation. Can you elaborate on this concept and how it differs from traditional notions of ”like-mindedness?”
- 6. What are some tangible examples of this “like-positioning” in action?
- 7. The concept of a formal AJK alliance has been discussed. Do you foresee this happening in the near future? What are the potential challenges?
- 8. In your view, what are the biggest opportunities for AJK cooperation to make a real impact on the global stage?
- 9. Given the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, what advice would you give to the leaders of these three nations as they navigate this complex path forward?
The Indo-Pacific is witnessing a surge in minilateral groupings, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate geopolitical landscape.While some might be weary of an onslaught of acronyms, the potential for an Australia-Japan-Korea (AJK) trilateral alliance is gaining traction.
The idea of this trilateral isn’t new.As far back as 2014, during the US rebalance to Asia, Hayley Channer proposed forging security webs with Japan and South Korea to bolster Australia’s interests. Since then, we’ve seen a proliferation of minilateral arrangements in the region, driven by the limitations of traditional multilateralism and the growing rivalry among major powers. Often,these groupings implicitly or explicitly focus on concerns surrounding China’s assertiveness.
Statements released from recent summits, such as the 2023 US-Japan-South Korea summit and the 2024 US-Japan-Philippines summit, have explicitly addressed Beijing’s actions, highlighting this trend.
However, an AJK trilateral might stand out for a different reason – its potential focus on navigating US actions, especially in the context of a potential second Trump administration.
Concerns about the unpredictable nature of US leadership have fueled interest in building regional partnerships outside of the US framework. This desire for greater autonomy has given impetus to developing AJK cooperation without direct US involvement.
To understand the driving forces behind this emerging trilateral, it’s crucial to examine the Track 1.5 dialogues, which bring together officials and non-officials from all three countries. These dialogues offer a platform to explore the potential benefits and challenges of a more formal AJK alliance.
in june 2024, the United States Studies Center hosted the inaugural AJK trilateral dialog, supported by the Australia-japan Foundation and the Australia-Korea Foundation. The event underscored the seemingly “intuitive” foundation for such a grouping:
“AJK share common values around freedom, democracy and the rules-based international order; thay have numerous shared security interests; all are US allies.”
While still in its early stages, the AJK trilateral holds significant promise for shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.Its evolution will largely depend on the ability of these three nations to overcome historical complexities and forge a cohesive strategy that addresses shared regional challenges.
The Indo-Pacific region is undergoing a period of dynamic evolution, with shifting power dynamics and a rise in strategic competition. Amidst this complexity, Australia, Japan, and South Korea find themselves navigating a multifaceted landscape, seeking to bolster security, promote economic prosperity, and shape a rules-based order. While these nations share democratic values and a commitment to multilateralism, their individual priorities and geopolitical perspectives sometimes diverge.
Recent events,however,point towards a growing convergence of strategic interests among these three key players. The report “Navigating the Strange Minilateralverse: Madness or Methodology?” by the Lowy Institute highlights this emerging trend. Rather of focusing on “like-mindedness,” as frequently enough applied to these nations, the report emphasizes the concept of “like-positioning,” a term coined by Siwook Lee of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. This framing, the report argues, better captures the shared challenges and opportunities facing the three countries as they start navigating the second term of the Trump administration.
This idea of “like-positioning” is exemplified in the trilateral dialogue organized by Korea’s East Asia Institute. Held just before the 2021 inauguration of President Biden, the dialogue brought together experts from Australia, Japan, and South Korea to discuss strategies in security, trade, and technology within the emerging Indo-Pacific landscape.While differences in national interests were acknowledged, there was a striking sense of shared concern and a desire to collaborate.
The enduring question then becomes: will this emerging trilateral alliance, potentially dubbed JASKA, have staying power? While formalizing the grouping might be challenging, the core value proposition lies in the tangible benefits each nation derives from these interactions. As demonstrated by the MIKTA grouping, which includes Mexico, Indonesia, and Türkiye, effective collaboration can transcend the need for a catchy acronym or a highly visible platform. The success of these groups hinges on the willingness of member states to contribute their expertise, resources, and perspectives to address shared challenges and pursue common objectives.
In today’s ever-shifting geopolitical landscape, nations like Australia, Japan, and Korea find themselves navigating complex alliances and shifting power dynamics. Their common goals and shared interests have sparked discussions about deeper cooperation, though not necessarily within a formal alliance structure.
Recent dialogues suggest a preference for informal collaboration and aligning national efforts,as highlighted in the emphasis on ”establishing habits of cooperation,” “informal,rather than institutionalised cooperation,” and “aligning national efforts.” This decentralized approach could manifest in various ways, such as Korea leveraging Australia and Japan’s extensive experience in the Pacific Islands region, or Australia seeking guidance from its counterparts in Japan and Korea for navigating trade and investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.
The key takeaway seems to be less about formalized structures and more about conscious mutual awareness and collaboration. As Melissa Conley Tyler, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Advancement, Diplomacy & Defense Dialogue (AP4D), aptly puts it, “It is a difficult world to negotiate for these ‘like-positioned’ powers.”
This “difficult world” demands a strategic approach where these nations,despite their individual strengths,recognise the power of collective action. By aligning their efforts, they can amplify their influence on the global stage. Moreover, a degree of solidarity can provide a sense of stability and direction in a world experiencing significant change, marked by the evolving role of the United States.
How does the concept of “like-positioning” differ from conventional notions of “like-mindedness” in the context of AJK cooperation?
Dr. ayana Sato,a leading expert on East Asian security from the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., joins us today to discuss the growing importance of trilateral cooperation between Australia, japan, and South Korea (AJK) Amidst a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Dr. Sato, the term “like-positioning” has been gaining traction in discussions about AJK cooperation. Can you elaborate on this concept and how it differs from traditional notions of ”like-mindedness?”
It’s a great question. While we frequently enough describe these countries as “like-minded” due to shared democratic values and commitment to the rules-based international order, “like-positioning” captures the essence of their shared concerns and goals more accurately. They find themselves facing similar geopolitical challenges, from China’s assertiveness to the unpredictable nature of global leadership, even if their individual responses might vary.
What are some tangible examples of this “like-positioning” in action?
We see it in the growing number of informal dialogues and joint initiatives. The recent trilateral dialog organized by Korea’s East Asia Institute brought together experts to discuss strategies in security,trade,and technology. It revealed a desire to align national efforts and leverage their combined expertise.Another example is Australia’s potential to learn from Japan and Korea’s experience in navigating complex relationships in the Indo-Pacific.
The concept of a formal AJK alliance has been discussed. Do you foresee this happening in the near future? What are the potential challenges?
A formal alliance might be less likely, at least in the near term. These countries prioritize autonomy and adaptability in their foreign policy, approaching collaboration pragmatically. Though, the increase in informal cooperation coudl pave the way for more structured engagement in the future. Challenges include balancing national interests, ancient sensitivities, and the evolving role of the United States in the region.
In your view, what are the biggest opportunities for AJK cooperation to make a real impact on the global stage?
I believe AJK collaboration can significantly influence global governance, enhance regional security, and drive lasting economic progress. Combined, they represent a powerful voice advocating for a rules-based international order and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Addressing shared challenges like climate change, cyber security, and pandemic preparedness through trilateral cooperation can yield valuable solutions with global implications.
“ Like-positioning” recognizes that despite shared challenges, each nation brings unique strengths and perspectives to the table. The advice? Continue to nurture open dialogue, build trust, and foster a spirit of collaboration. History can be a guide, but these nations must write their own narrative for a more secure and prosperous future, not just for themselves, but for the entire Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
