TOKYO, JAPAN – Today, Commerce and Industry Export Control Principals from the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) convened as a follow-up to the Commerce and Industry Ministerial initiative from the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David last August. This meeting is the first in-person meeting of its kind under the trilateral relationship focused on further aligning export controls, enhancing our ability to effectively collaborate on shared priorities. The United States hosted the convening at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.  

The principals agreed to further align on Russia controls, collaborate on outreach to countries in Southeast Asia, and cooperate on controls for critical and emerging technologies. 

“Collaboration among like-minded allies and partners who share our values and security outlook on multilateral export controls is a longstanding priority for BIS,” said Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler. “Our trilateral relationship with Japan and the Republic of Korea is a treasured relationship that cultivates the kind of trusted ecosystem that allows emerging technologies to develop in a safe space.” 

“We deepened our knowledge on how respective export control systems work in Japan, the ROK, and the U.S. in the first trilateral meeting,” said Director-General Katsuro Igari, Trade Control Department, Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. “We will further strengthen our export controls by further exchanging best practices, including engagement in industry and academia.” 

“Trilateral cooperation between Korea, the U.S., and Japan is crucial to respond to the changing global environment, including the instability of supply chains and export controls,” said Director General for Trade Control Policy Kamchan Kang, Republic of Korea Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. “Export control engagement with ASEAN countries should be enhanced to prevent the diversion of dual-use items and maintain international peace.” 

Background on the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David 

In August 2023, President Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and ROK President Yoon to a historic trilateral summit at Camp David, the first-ever stand-alone summit of Leaders from the United States, Japan, and the ROK, and the first summit of foreign leaders at Camp David during the Biden-Harris Administration. The Leaders jointly inaugurated a new era of trilateral partnership and reaffirmed that cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the ROK advances the security and prosperity of our people, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world. 

Among other priorities, the Leaders committed to focusing efforts on coordinating export controls for advanced technologies.  

Additional information is available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/18…