Japan and South Korea should build a stronger security alliance to anchor regional stability as US commitment to East Asia becomes less certain, former Japanese foreign and defence minister Taro Kono said on Wednesday.

“I think it is indispensable for peace and stability for East Asia that Japan and Korea create a very strong security alliance, not just the economy. Japan and Korea need to sit down and discuss security in the region,” Kono said during the “Asia-Pacific in the age of American First: Asian Leaders’ View” press conference held on the sidelines of the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in South Korea.

“If you look at the situation in East Asia, Japan and Korea only have each other. The Philippines is a bit far away, Australia is even further down. There is the United States – yes, the US military is still present on the Korean peninsula and Japan. But I think we need to step up our own effort for stability in the region,” he said, while stressing that Washington remains indispensable.

Kono pointed out that while European countries will still be able to pursue an effective defence alliance to ensure regional peace and stability even without the US, doing so may be impossible for South Korea and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Europe, without the United States, [would find it] difficult – but it’s possible – [to come up with a plan B] … But for Korea, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, it is almost impossible to come up with a plan B [without the US].”

The discussion was moderated by Moon Chung-in, distinguished professor at Yonsei University and former foreign policy and national security special adviser to former South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans also joined the discussion.