Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, and South Korean’s Cho Tae-yul agreed to promote mutual understanding and trust while tackling shared concerns in areas like aging, natural disasters, and the green economy. The trilateral cooperation aims to gain wider support for collaboration between Japan, China, and South Korea.
The ministers also discussed growing tensions with North Korea over its nuclear and missile development, as well as Russia’s involvement. Iwaya stressed the need for full denuclearization under UN Security Council resolutions.
In addition, Wang proposed resuming talks on an economic framework for the three countries and expanding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The joint news conference highlighted the importance of technology and climate exchange in driving East Asian cooperation.
The meeting focused on plans for a trilateral leaders’ summit later this year, amidst growing uncertainty. Japan has made efforts to overcome historical disputes with both China and South Korea. Iwaya announced plans to accelerate efforts toward achieving a leaders’ summit in Japan later this year.
Separately, high-level economic dialogue was held between Japan and China, with officials from finance, economy, transportation, environment, health, and labor ministries attending. The talks aim to expand cooperation into new areas and strengthen communication for comprehensive and mutually strategic relations.
The global economy faces significant changes, including unilateralism and protectionism. Iwaya acknowledged progress in lifting China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports. The meeting also reaffirmed commitment to resolving bilateral issues, cooperating with North Korea’s complete denuclearization, and strengthening trilateral cooperation with the US amid growing uncertainties.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/japan-china-south-korea-foreign-ministers-313665d1a611abeb42180245d7e167f1