Cooperation between China, Japan, South Korea needed

Hopes for resumption of leaders’ summit: TCS SecGen

Cooperation between China, Japan and South Korea is needed “as soon as possible” in the face of various challenges and crises, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, Lee Hee-sup, secretary general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), told the Global Times during the Boao Forum for Asia in South China’s Hainan Province, adding that he hopes the delayed China-Japan-South Korea leaders’ summit will be resumed in the “near future.”

Lee said that digital transition for carbon neutrality and green growth, public health, population ageing, regional stability and peace are issues that could be potentially discussed as part of a trilateral summit.

Various challenges and crises, including geopolitical tensions, are currently being faced. “One of the most critical issues is the supply and industrial chains, which require cooperation between the three countries.” He also mentioned the trilateral meeting needs to discuss issues related to free trade agreements including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

In the face of a rapidly changing world, adjustments and improvements must be made, and the three countries need to push the RCEP to a higher level, Lee noted. “Cooperation and solidarity of the three countries are needed, and the TCS needs to facilitate trilateral cooperation as soon as possible.”

We should discuss the joint efforts to tackle the challenges and crisis. This is not only important for China, Japan, and South Korea, but also for maintaining the security and stability of Asia and the world, he stressed.

For a long time, China, Japan, and South Korea have had close cooperation on various issues related to regional security. The leaders of the three countries have also emphasized the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability on important occasions, Lee noted, saying he hopes the China-Japan-South Korea leaders’ summit will be resumed.

Lee expressed hope that if the summit is held, the three countries can once again engage in in-depth dialogue and exchange on various regional subjects, and reach consensus to effectively address the current tense situation in the region.

According to media reports, Seoul, as the current chair of the rotating dialogue, originally expected the summit to take place by the end of 2023 or early 2024. However, Japanese media suggested that the forum may be postponed until May or later.

The trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting between China, Japan, and South Korea was held in Busan, South Korea on November 26, 2023.