Top Diplomats Of Japan, China, South Korea Push For Cooperation

The top diplomats of Japan, China, and South Korea gathered in Tokyo on March 22, 2025, aiming to bolster "future-oriented" cooperation amidst intensifying global uncertainties regarding trade and security. In their trilateral meeting, the foreign ministers agreed to enhance collaborative relations, particularly in light of challenges posed by U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, who has returned to the White House.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stressed the importance of unity among the three nations, asserting, "It is extremely important for the three countries...to promote future-oriented exchanges and cooperation, and guide the region and the international community from division to cooperation." He announced plans to accelerate preparations for a timely summit, which would follow a previous gathering in May 2024.

The tone of the meeting mixed optimism with solemn reflection on historical grievances, as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took the opportunity to underline a significant anniversay. "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of what China refers to as the 1937-1945 War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression," he noted. Wang emphasized that "the future can only be created after sincerely reflecting on history," urging Japan to recognize past wrongs as they move forward.

The ministers reached consensus on various pressing matters, including North Korea's destabilizing military advancements and its partnerships with Russia. Iwaya reiterated Japan's strong stance, declaring that "unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force should not be tolerated anywhere in the world." This remark resonated with South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul, who advocated for the "complete denuclearisation" of North Korea and the need for cooperative efforts to address the issue.

Following their last foreign ministerial meeting in Busan in November 2023, this latest encounter reflects a thaw in relations after years of tension primarily driven by historical disputes and geopolitical rivalry. Despite these improvements, each nation grapples with its challenges; China is wrestling with a prolonged property sector crisis, while South Korea is embroiled in political uncertainty due to President Yoon Suk Yeol's pending impeachment verdict related to martial law.

Trump’s second term has shifted the trilateral dynamic, provoking fears of an escalating trade war between the U.S. and China, further complicating relations within the region. Wang stressed the importance of multilateralism and free trade as vital to fostering inclusive economic development, underscoring the adverse impact of aggressive tariff policies that have previously targeted China.

During the summit, the ministers reported their commitment to ensure the success of talks under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which South Korea will chair in 2025. This cooperation aims to spur economic ties, establish common ground on climate change, and reinforce humanitarian exchanges.

Discussions from the prior trilateral summit, which involved then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and President Yoon, revealed an agreement to pursue a trilateral free trade pact, confirming the significance of collective efforts for regional stability. The teams recognized projects covering economic relations, human exchanges, disaster relief, and coping with aging populations as areas of mutual interest.

Importantly, as the three countries continue to navigate their evolving partnership, they seem poised to reinforce ties while addressing not only the economic and security challenges that face them but also the persistent weight of historical legacies. As they moved forward from this meeting, Iwaya and Cho further engaged in bilateral discussions, voicing 'serious concerns' over North Korean cyber activities, particularly noting incidents involving cryptocurrency theft that facilitate Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile development programs.

Despite historical disputes stemming from wartime labor issues and territorial claims, Japan and South Korea have made notable strides to mend their relations. The commitment shown during this trilateral meeting signifies an acknowledgment that cooperation is essential for confronting contemporary issues affecting the region.

The latest meeting not only reflects progress but also a growing consensus on the need for strategic partnerships among these three nations. Their collective focus on fostering better relations augurs potential stability in Northeast Asia, while also addressing pertinent global issues like climate change and security.