DPRK’s nuclear missile potential problem in the Japan – USA – ROK triangle in 2023–2025

The article analyzes the role of North Korea's nuclear missile potential as a factor in the development of security cooperation between Japan, the US, and the Republic of Korea in 2023–2025. Positive trends along Tokyo–Washington–Seoul axis emerged in 2022, and the 2023 Camp David summit elevated the trilateral partnership to a new level and laid the foundation for its transformation into an institutionalized and comprehensive alliance. The parties justified the formation of the Japan – USA – ROK triangle by the need to strengthen stability in the Asia -Pacific region and counter “common challenges”, including those from the DPRK. To contain the so-called North Korean threat, the allies have developed retaliatory measures, including coordinating sanctions policy and expanding defense and diplomatic cooperation. The author examines the results of the triangle's policy on countering the DPRK in 2023–2025 and describes the dynamics of the trilateral partnership after the change of administrations in the US and South Korea. The author concludes that the activities of Washington and its allies create a risk of rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite this, the trends in the development of the triangle's policy in the second half of 2025 signal the parties' commitment to further deepening security cooperation.