Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific, introduced the U.S.–Japan–ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act, bipartisan legislation to deepen cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Joining Congressman Bera in leading this effort are Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). Bera, Connolly, Wilson and Kelly serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Korea Caucus, while Castro and Smith serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Japan Caucus.

“As we face growing threats in the Indo-Pacific, now is the time to invest in our closest alliances rooted in democratic values,” said Representative Bera. “This legislation builds on the momentum from the Camp David Summit by creating permanent channels of communication and coordination between our three legislative bodies. Routine inter-parliamentary dialogue will help ensure the United States, Japan and South Korea continue to meet shared challenges together—promoting a free, open, inclusive, resilient and healthy Indo-Pacific region that safeguards our mutual security and prosperity for decades to come.”

The U.S.–Japan–ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act establishes a formal U.S.–Japan–ROK Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue to address shared challenges.

The legislation reflects the commitments made at the August 2023 Camp David Trilateral Summit and underscores Congress’s role in turning those commitments into lasting policy and institutional cooperation.

“Trilateral cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan is paramount to countering the PRC’s malign influence and to advancing our shared goal of a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said Representative Connolly. “I am proud to join my colleagues today in introducing this important legislation that encourages consistent open dialogue between senior officials of our three nations and establishes a partnership to promote the strategic interests and values that the U.S., South Korea, and Japan share.”

“The U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act will help continue the momentum of security cooperation between our three countries by establishing a multinational dialogue for American, Japanese, and Korean legislators to work together to pursue closer cooperation,” said Representative Castro. 

“I am grateful to join my colleagues in affirming the importance of the renewed Trilateral Summit between the U.S., Republic of Korea, and Japan. Our joint commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is ironclad, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance our shared goals and confront any challenges that come our way,” said Representative Wilson.

“I am honored to co-lead the U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act. As threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continue to grow, the United States and its allies must be prepared to maintain safety, security and prosperity for America and our Pacific allies. Congress has an obligation to the American people to protect its citizens from the CCP, DPRK, or other adversaries. Our alliance and friendship with the Republic of Korea and Japan is crucial,” said Representative Kelly.

“The U.S. has historic and critical partnerships with South Korea and Japan, and this is an important time to advance collaboration to our mutual benefit. Robust engagement to reinforce our shared values of freedom and security in the Indo-Pacific is necessary to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. This legislation reflects these priorities and strong bipartisan support in Congress for fostering these valuable relationships. I am grateful to Rep. Bera and my other colleagues for working together to introduce it,” said Representative Smith. 

Congressman Bera has consistently worked to strengthen U.S. foreign policy engagement in the Indo-Pacific and reinforce America’s role as a reliable ally. This legislation builds on his longstanding efforts to enhance diplomatic capacity, counter economic coercion and promote regional stability.