On March 22, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea met in Tokyo, reaffirming their commitment to denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The meeting took place at a critical time as the region faces challenges posed by North Korea's ongoing missile tests and increasing assertiveness from China.
Takeshi Iwaya of Japan, Wang Yi of China, and Cho Tae-yul of South Korea highlighted the need for enhancing mutual understanding and trust during their discussions, addressing not just security concerns but also pressing issues like the aging population and economic challenges. In a joint press conference following the talks, Iwaya expressed grave concerns about North Korea's nuclear ambitions, stating, "We need to achieve North Korea's complete denuclearization according to UN Security Council resolutions.”
This trilateral dialogue is seen as an important step toward cooperation amid increasing tensions with the United States, particularly regarding tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Iwaya reiterated Japan's condemnation of Russia’s war in Ukraine, asserting that unilateral changes to status quos through force have no place in the world today.
Wang Yi echoed these sentiments by advocating for a common regional economy and highlighted China’s intention to push for a comprehensive economic framework among the three nations, stating, "Cooperation in various areas, such as technology and climate, will serve as a key driving force for cooperation in East Asia.”
The Foreign Ministers discussed the importance of strengthening ties ahead of a planned summit of leaders later this year, building on their last meeting in South Korea, which took place amidst concerns over North Korea's nuclear program. Cho mentioned, “The current global crisis makes trilateral cooperation more important than ever.”
In a separate but significant meeting following the trilateral discussions, the Japanese and Chinese delegations engaged in a high-level economic dialogue, marking the first such interaction since April 2019. This dialogue involved numerous officials across various ministries, such as Economy, Transportation, Environment, Health, and Labor, indicating a comprehensive approach to economic cooperation.
The two countries also touched upon the contentious issue of Japan's seafood exports, which China has banned since August 2023 in response to the Fukushima nuclear plant’s decision to discharge treated radioactive wastewater. In remarks at the meeting, Wang emphasized the need for increased cooperation and better communication to promote comprehensive strategic and mutually beneficial ties between China and Japan.
Amid these cooperative efforts, concerns from both Japan and South Korea regarding China’s expanding military footprint in the region continue to shape their diplomatic strategies. While the three nations are collaborating, there remains an undercurrent of rivalry, particularly concerning historical territorial disputes. Diplomatic ties between Japan and South Korea have recently improved as they recognize their shared apprehensions about China’s assertiveness.
Experts caution that despite these advancements, the relationship between these East Asian nations will require careful navigation to avoid misunderstandings. “As these nations seek to strengthen their cooperation, the historical context and regional dynamics must be acknowledged and addressed,” says Dr. Lim Eul-chul, a professor specializing in East Asian studies.
Looking toward the future, both Japan and its neighbors are hopeful that their ongoing dialogues will foster a more stable and cooperative East Asian environment. With changing global power dynamics, particularly with the United States’ less predictable stance under President Trump, the trilateral cooperation amongst Japan, China, and South Korea could signal a pivotal moment in regional geopolitics.
As the summit of leaders approaches, the three nations appear poised to solidify their relationships and possibly reshape the geopolitical landscape in Asia, presenting a united front in addressing future challenges.
This meeting signifies a strategic pivot where historical rivalries are placed on the backburner while focusing on common interests that benefit all parties involved. The potential for this cooperation to evolve into something more substantial could have profound implications not only for Asia but for the global community.
