In a significant gathering, the foreign ministers of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea met in Tokyo on March 22, 2025, to discuss collaborations that have developed since their last trilateral summit in Seoul in May 2024. The ministers—Wang Yi from China, Takeshi Iwaya from Japan, and Choi Tae-yong from South Korea—addressed the need to maintain open lines of communication despite existing differences among the nations.
During a joint press conference, Wang Yi emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts, stating that China, Japan, and South Korea must prioritize future cooperation for the stability and prosperity of East Asia and beyond. He further remarked, “Our nations share Pacific shores, and thus must work toward a common future.”
The ministers outlined various sectors where enhanced collaboration is necessary, including economics, trade, science, technology, and particularly youth exchanges. They acknowledged the necessity of joint efforts to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and address shared challenges such as declining birth rates, an aging population, and climate change.
In addition to discussing cooperative efforts in various fields, the foreign ministers reached consensus on promoting new drivers of economic growth and establishing fresh avenues for collaboration. One pointed area of focus was the promotion of a free trade zone between their countries, which has been a topic of discussion in previous meetings. The ministers recognized that a well-defined trading arrangement could lead to economic stability and growth for all parties involved.
Following the trilateral meeting, the foreign ministers underscored the consensus achieved on the necessity for regional economic integration. “We must solidify the momentum of our cooperation and focus on a vision of collaboration for the next decade,” Wang Yi asserted, highlighting that the time is right to propel their discussions into actionable plans.
The ministers agreed to maintain open communication regarding negotiations related to the free trade agreement between China, Japan, and South Korea. This responsive approach aims to revitalize their previous deliberations that had stagnated over recent years.
“We will ensure that our dialogues translate into concrete actions,” said Takeshi Iwaya, indicating a collective commitment to nurturing the mutual trust required for fruitful partnerships.
The meeting also marked the first high-level economic dialogue between Beijing and Tokyo in over six years. This momentous occasion serves to warm the often tense relations between the two economic powerhouses and set the stage for deeper collaboration in the future. “A renewed economic connection can serve as a cornerstone for regional development,” Iwaya remarked.
Additionally, Wang Yi announced that during the years 2025-2026, China, Japan, and South Korea would embark on a cultural exchange year. The initiative aims to boost mutual understanding and enhance the intensity of travel between the three nations, targeting a goal of 40 million trips by 2030. “Cultural exchanges will foster goodwill and understanding among our peoples, which is essential for solid cooperation,” stated Choi Tae-yong.
The foreign ministers resolved to deepen social security cooperation and emphasized commitments toward green and low-carbon development. “Our joint efforts in these areas can yield significant benefits for our citizens, as we navigate the pressing challenges of our times,” noted Wang Yi.
Furthermore, the discussions included the importance of multilateral cooperation. The foreign ministers reaffirmed their intention to strengthen collaboration under existing frameworks such as ASEAN+3 and the East Asia Summit. “We believe in multilateralism and will work tirelessly to uphold it,” Wang Yi stated, during the press conference.
The successful meeting concluded with all parties expressing optimism about future collaborations. The cooperation agreement between China, Japan, and South Korea paves the way for intensified diplomatic engagements and collective efforts aimed at tackling regional and global challenges.
As nations navigate through complex international waters, the emphasis on cooperation among these three influential Northeast Asian countries is seen as crucial for sustaining peace and development in the region.
