Foreign Ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea Meet in Tokyo
Foreign ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea convened in Tokyo on March 22nd for a trilateral meeting. The gathering took place amidst growing regional tensions, with the ministers reaffirming the importance of denuclearization on the Korean peninsula and seeking common ground in areas like aging, low birth rates, natural disasters, and cultural exchange.
During a joint press conference, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya emphasized the need for mutual understanding and tackling shared concerns to gain wider support for trilateral cooperation. He expressed concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile development, cooperation with Russia, and the importance of pursuing full denuclearization under UN Security Council resolutions. Iwaya also condemned Russia's war on Ukraine, highlighting the unacceptability of unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed further efforts towards achieving an economic framework for the three countries, emphasizing trilateral cooperation in technology, climate exchange, and other areas as key driving forces for East Asian cooperation. He also expressed support for the formation of a mutual regional economy.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation in the face of global crisis and divisions, stating that their cooperation in areas of common challenges will set a good model for global cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining the positive flow of trilateral cooperation.
The meeting focused on plans for a trilateral leaders' summit later in the year, amidst growing political and economic uncertainty at home and challenges from US President Donald Trump. The three-way meetings are an accomplishment for Japan, which has historical and territorial disputes with both China and South Korea.
Later on Saturday, delegations from Japan and China met separately to hold their first high-level economic dialogue since April 2019. Iwaya and Wang also held separate bilateral talks with Cho.
The meeting comes at a time when US allies Japan and South Korea have rapidly improved ties, sharing mutual concerns over China's growing threat in the region. Tokyo and Beijing agreed in December to improve ties despite their differences, including disputes over a group of uninhabited islands and China's territorial disputes with other countries in the South China Sea.
7 Comments
Rotfront
The history between these countries is too fraught with conflict. They can't just pretend everything is okay.
Karamba
I'm glad to see these countries taking the initiative to address regional challenges.
Matzomaster
I'm encouraged by their commitment to denuclearization and finding solutions to common challenges.
Karamba
I'm hopeful that this meeting will lead to meaningful progress on important issues like climate change.
Matzomaster
I'm glad to see these countries cooperating instead of competing with each other.
Donatello
The focus on denuclearization is pointless because North Korea will never give up its nukes.
BuggaBoom
This meeting shows that these countries are committed to working together for a better future.