Hi Focus Readers,
Today, Camp David became a focal point once again as President Joe
Biden and the leaders of Japan and South Korea met for a historic
trilateral summit.
Appearing jointly at a press conference following their meeting,
Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and South Korean
President Yoon Suk Yeol, touted a "new era of partnership" that
includes expanded security and economic cooperation, annual military
exercises, and other mechanisms to deepen their alliance.
The three leaders took special care to frame their meeting, saying
it was "not about China." However, it is widely seen as a move to
counter China's growing influence in the region, with a number of
potential flashpoint issues such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, and
a nuclearized North Korea.
Also this week, there are indications of further potential
diplomatic engagement between China and the U.S., following a series
of high-level dialogues over the summer. China has stated that it
would welcome a visit by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, even
in the wake of foreign investment controls imposed by her agency
that have stung a number of Chinese companies. No specific date has
been set, but there have been speculations that the trip could come
later this month.
In the meantime, we encourage you to catch up on our latest Focus
content, including topics covering China-Australia relations, Beijing and Washington's relationships with
developing nations, China's economy, and more.
Have a good weekend!
Team Focus
