U.S., Japan and South Korea Boost Alliance to Counter China, North Korea

The U.S., Japan and South Korea agreed to strengthen cooperation, forging a firmer three-way alliance at a time of growing assertiveness by China and belligerence from North Korea.   

The higher-level partnership struck Friday at a landmark summit binds the U.S. and its two closest Asian allies more closely together after years in which antagonism between Japan and South Korea frustrated cooperation.  

As part of those closer ties, Washington, Tokyo and Seoul are committing to consult on mutual threats, work together on ballistic missile defense, conduct joint military exercises and hold...