The three countries’ defence chiefs also held an annual meeting in Seoul on Friday, where they recognised the importance of close trilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges posed by North Korea in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the defence ministry said in a statement.

“We’re illuminating a future path together, a path where partnerships can evolve through persistent and regular engagement, from building capacity to really sharing responsibility,” US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff General Dan Caine said in opening remarks before the meeting.

“(North Korea) and China are undergoing an unprecedented military build-up with a clear and unambiguous intent to move forward with their own agendas. We need to be mindful of that,” Caine said.