Foreign ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea convened in Tokyo on Saturday to discuss regional security and economic cooperation, emphasizing the need for dialogue amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, hosting the meeting alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, highlighted the significance of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
“Given the increasingly severe international situation, I believe we may truly be at a turning point in history,” Iwaya said, stressing the importance of overcoming divisions through cooperation.
This marks the first foreign ministers’ meeting between the three East Asian nations since 2023 and comes at a time of shifting global alliances. The discussions are expected to cover North Korea’s nuclear program, economic ties, and preparations for a future trilateral summit.
Cho emphasized the urgency of addressing security concerns on the Korean Peninsula. “The peace and security of the Korean Peninsula are essential conditions for peace and prosperity in East Asia and the world,” he stated, urging candid discussions on North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Wang, in turn, underlined the need for historical reconciliation and economic collaboration. “Our three countries should reaffirm our shared understanding of facing history honestly and looking toward the future, and strengthen East Asian cooperation,” he said. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a historical backdrop that continues to shape relations among the three nations.
Economic concerns, including China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports following the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, are also expected to be on the agenda. Iwaya is set to hold separate bilateral talks with his Chinese and South Korean counterparts, including Japan’s first high-level economic dialogue with China in six years.
The meeting underscores the delicate balance among Japan, South Korea, and China, as Tokyo and Seoul remain key allies of the United States while navigating their complex ties with Beijing, the world’s second-largest economy.
As regional dynamics evolve, the trilateral discussions are seen as a crucial step in fostering stability and cooperation in East Asia.
