In Tokyo, the foreign ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea gathered to focus on fostering collaboration in areas such as aging populations, declining birthrates, environmental challenges, and the green economy. This meeting comes at a tense time in international relations.
During a joint press conference, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed that he, alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korea’s Cho Tae-yul, agreed on the need to build mutual understanding and trust. They aim to tackle generational challenges and garner wider support for trilateral cooperation.
Iwaya highlighted Japan’s concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as its cooperation with Russia, considering them significant threats. He reiterated the importance of North Korea’s complete denuclearization in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolutions. Additionally, he condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, underscoring that forceful attempts to alter the status quo have no place globally, subtly addressing China’s increasing regional assertiveness.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for the establishment of a mutual regional economy, suggesting the revival of discussions on an economic framework among the three nations. He promoted expanding the 15-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). According to Wang, trilateral cooperation in technology and climate exchange will be pivotal for East Asian collaboration.
The meeting also laid the groundwork for a future trilateral leaders’ summit amidst political and economic uncertainties and challenges from global powers. The prospect of these meetings marks progress for Japan, which shares historical and territorial disputes with both China and South Korea. Iwaya indicated Japan’s eagerness to facilitate a leaders’ summit on its soil later in the year.
In a separate but related development, Japan and China engaged in their first high-level economic dialogue since 2019, involving representatives from various sectors such as finance, economy, and health. Wang emphasized that broadening cooperation and enhancing communication are crucial to nurturing comprehensive relations between Japan and China.
Wang also expressed concerns about the global economy’s shifting landscape, marked by rising unilateralism and protectionism, and the politicization of science and technology, hinting at criticism towards U.S. policies.
Further discussions revealed that Japan and China acknowledged advances in lifting China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports, initially imposed following the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
Moreover, Japan’s Iwaya and South Korea’s Cho reaffirmed their dedication to resolving bilateral issues, committing to sustained communication and cooperation with the U.S. in efforts towards North Korea’s denuclearization.
In December, Tokyo and Beijing had previously agreed to improve relations despite existing disputes over territory in the East China Sea and differing takes on wartime history.
