On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to contribute more to regional stability. He highlighted the increasingly complex global situation and the need for cooperation.
Wang, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made these comments after the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He noted that the three countries had made positive progress in trilateral cooperation since the 9th Trilateral Summit.
Wang emphasised the importance of improving communication and mutual trust between the countries. He said they must deepen cooperation to help promote peace and development in the region, especially with the global economy still struggling to recover.
Plans for future collaboration and economic integration
Wang called for the three countries to build on the momentum of their cooperation. He suggested focusing on the six key areas identified at last year’s Trilateral Summit to create new opportunities.
The three ministers also discussed plans for the 10th Trilateral Summit, set for later this year. They agreed to create a positive atmosphere for the event.
Wang noted that China, Japan, and the ROK agreed to push for regional economic integration. The countries will work together to restart negotiations on the trilateral free trade agreement. They also plan to expand the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and ensure stable supply chains in the region.
Commitment to cultural exchange and green development
The three countries are committed to advancing innovation. They aim to build a hub for scientific and technological development in Asia. This will focus on creating new and high-quality productivity.
Wang mentioned plans to increase cultural exchanges. In 2025-2026, the three countries will celebrate the China-Japan-ROK Year of Cultural Exchange. They aim to organise events that will increase people-to-people exchanges, with a goal of reaching 40 million exchanges by 2030.
The countries also agreed to improve cooperation on social welfare and green, low-carbon development. This will bring more benefits to their citizens.
Wang Yi also reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to multilateral cooperation, highlighting their shared support for free trade and efforts to promote a more open, inclusive, and balanced global economy.
