Northeast Asia's dual trilaterals are a buffer against instability

South Korea's diplomatic apparatus remains operational despite crisis

Hao Nan

December 20, 2024 17:06 JST

U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba participate in a trilateral meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 15. © Reuters

Hao Nan is a research fellow with the Charhar Institute, and a fellow (2024-2025) with the Arms Control Negotiation Academy.

South Korea's National Assembly on Dec. 14 impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched declaration of martial law. While the impeachment has been passed to the Constitutional Court for review -- a process that could prolong political instability for up to six months -- Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, stepping in as acting president, promptly called U.S. President Joe Biden to reassure him of South Korea's foreign policy continuity.