Washington: In response to growing worries about North Korea's nuclear programme, the leaders of the United States, Japan, and South Korea are anticipated to announce plans for increased military cooperation on ballistic missile defences and technology development when they meet at a summit on Friday at Camp David, according to two senior Biden administration officials.

The officials, who requested anonymity to speak about summit preparations, said the announcements will be a part of a wide range of initiatives that will be unveiled as President Joe Biden hosts the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for the one-day meeting at the presidential retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains.

Leaders from the United States, Japan, and South Korea are poised to unveil an enhanced framework for defense collaboration during a landmark summit at Camp David on Friday. The meeting assumes heightened significance in light of escalating concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile initiatives.

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Against the backdrop of these shared security apprehensions, the three leaders are slated to deliberate on avenues for amplifying trilateral cooperation. Discussions will encompass bolstering ballistic missile defense capabilities, intensifying intelligence exchange, and orchestrating joint military exercises. Moreover, the summit agenda extends to deliberations on strategies to counterbalance China's expanding military footprint across the region.

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This summit marks the inaugural occasion where the trio of leaders has convened face-to-face since President Biden's assumption of office. Remarkably, it also marks the first time the Camp David locale has been chosen for such a summit.

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The significance of this gathering lies in its potential to cement the bonds between these nations, harmonize their strategies, and construct a collective response to the multifaceted challenges posed by North Korea and China.

Noteworthy components of the anticipated announcements include:

• Ballistic Missile Defense Expansion: The three nations will formalize their commitment to an augmented collaboration in the realm of ballistic missile defense. This could entail an elevated exchange of missile threat intelligence, the joint development of innovative missile defense systems, and the execution of more comprehensive joint drills.
• Heightened Intelligence Sharing: The summit is expected to herald a more robust sharing of intelligence among the three nations. This might encompass a greater exchange of insights into North Korea's nuclear and missile undertakings, as well as a more comprehensive understanding of China's military activities within the region.
• Amplified Joint Military Exercises: The summit will pave the way for an escalated frequency of joint military exercises, spanning across air, sea, and land domains.
• Countering China's Military Expansion: The discussions are also slated to encompass strategies for mitigating China's escalating military influence. Collaborative measures in maritime security enhancement and the development of technologies to deter Chinese assertiveness could emerge as focal points.

This summit stands as a pivotal juncture in fortifying the trilateral alliance among the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The trio grapples with a convergence of challenges, encompassing North Korea's nuclear and missile pursuits, alongside China's progressively expanding military presence in the region. With a common cause binding them, this summit stands as an occasion for concerted action, fostering harmony, and safeguarding the peace and stability of the region.