Trilateral Security and Economic Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region

In partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Meridian International Center implemented “Trilateral Security and Economic Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region,” a reporting tour which took place after the inauguration of a new era of trilateral partnership between U.S., Japan, and the ROK at the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David in August 2023.

Ten journalists from Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) traveled to Washington DC, Hawaii, Tokyo, and Seoul on an 11-day program to meet with government and military officials, academia, and think tanks for a series of on and off-the-record briefings. They attended nearly 30 briefings and traveled to three countries. During the program, journalists met with officials from the U.S. Department of State, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK, and U.S. military bases.

Aligned with the Camp David Summit theme, the program’s goals were:

• To enhance program participants’ knowledge about security cooperation, development, and economic cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and the ROK.
• To better inform reporting on trilateral cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and the ROK.
• To foster and strengthen the network and collaboration between journalists from Japan and the ROK.

Following the reporting tour, program participants published at least 29 articles and shared their newfound insights with their readers in their home countries. Participants listed, among other things, the following most important takeaways about building professional connections: building friendships that will continue after the program, securing a human network, and networking with professionals.

Participating in discussions with the U.S. lawmakers and think tanks provided valuable insights into the Indo-Pacific region, deepening understanding of U.S. perspectives on trilateral relations. These interactions were enriching as they allowed for direct engagement with officials and experts in Washington, D.C., Tokyo, and Seoul. This unique opportunity enhanced comprehension of geopolitical dynamics and the U.S. foreign policy and fostered meaningful connections with the officials typically inaccessible in regular forums.

“Talking face-to-face with officials and experts in Washington, DC, and Tokyo really helped. This reporting tour was exceptional in the fact that it was organized by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, which gave more momentum to all participants. I could tell that the officials/experts/legislators were speaking with high level of sincerity and integrity than in any other open-door forums.” – Su Jin Chun, Senior Staff Writer, JoonAng.

The exchange with journalists from Japan and the ROK, each offering diverse viewpoints, further broadened perspectives, fostering an open-minded approach crucial for nuanced reporting.

“It was worth to exchange views on international security and history with the ROK journalists because we could learn from each other... If I had stayed in Tokyo, it would have been difficult for me to realize it.” – participant from Japan.

Journalists shared that this program underscored the importance of trilateral cooperation and highlighted the significance of international dialogue in shaping informed global narratives.

Published Articles

• Camp David solidified trilateral ties that won’t be undone, says US ambassador to Japan  by Park Min-Hee, Editorial Writer, The Hankyoreh: Link
• North Korea and Russia are promoting military cooperation: What is the worst-case scenario? by Kota Kawano, Foreign News Staff Writer, Asahi Shimbun:
• A report made by Korea a year ago... Why is it now on the desk of the U.S. State Department? by Su Jin Chun, Senior Staff Writer, JoonAng