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The foreign ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea convened in Tokyo on March 22, 2025, to address pressing regional security and economic issues amid escalating global uncertainties.

The meeting underscored the dynamics of East Asian diplomacy as the three nations seek to find common ground while navigating longstanding disputes and emerging challenges.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya opened the trilateral talks by emphasizing the gravity of the current international landscape. “Given the increasingly severe international situation, I believe we may truly be at a turning point in history,” Iwaya said, setting a tone of urgency for the discussions.

The ministers agreed to expedite preparations for a trilateral summit in Japan later this year. This forthcoming summit aims to tackle shared demographic challenges, such as declining birthrates and aging populations, reflecting a mutual recognition of domestic issues with far-reaching economic and social implications.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang said, “With the joint efforts of the three parties, new progress has been made in the cooperation in the six key areas identified at the Ninth China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit.”

China attaches great importance to cooperation among China, Japan, and the ROK, and is confident in it, Chinese FM Wang Yi said while attending the Japanese PM’s meeting with the FMs of the three countries.

A nearby neighbor is better than a distant relative. If China-Japan-ROK… pic.twitter.com/txELKfsTMK

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) March 22, 2025

Wang emphasized that trilateral cooperation remains one of the most well-established, highly structured, and promising collaborative frameworks in East Asia. Over the past two decades since its inception, this three-way partnership has delivered tangible benefits, not only advancing the development of the three nations and improving the well-being of their people but also contributing to regional stability and economic integration.

Wang further highlighted that a stronger China-Japan-ROK partnership enhances the three countries’ ability to navigate challenges, lays a more robust foundation for sustainable growth, and fosters deeper mutual understanding and friendship among their citizens.

Collaboration amid tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the collective economic prowess of the three nations, noting their combined population of nearly 1.6 billion and an economic output exceeding $24 trillion.

“With our vast markets and great potential, we can exert significant influence,” Wang stated. He proposed resuming free trade talks and expanding the membership of the 15-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), signaling China’s intent to strengthen regional economic integration.

However, economic discussions were not devoid of friction. A critical point of contention remains China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports, imposed after Japan released treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2023. Iwaya urged China to lift the ban, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to transparency and safety in its environmental practices.

Security concerns and regional stability

The trilateral meeting also delved into complex security issues. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed concerns over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and its military cooperation with Russia. He urged China to leverage its influence over Pyongyang to promote denuclearization.

“I also stressed that illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea should stop immediately and that North Korea should not be rewarded for its wrongdoings in the course of bringing about the end of the war in Ukraine,” Cho asserted.

Japan and South Korea, both key U.S. allies hosting thousands of American troops, share apprehensions about China’s growing military assertiveness, particularly around Taiwan. The ministers acknowledged these security challenges, emphasizing the need for dialogue and cooperation to maintain regional stability.

Bilateral engagements on the sidelines

On the sidelines of the trilateral meeting, Japan and China conducted their first high-level economic dialogue in six years. This bilateral discussion aimed to address specific economic disputes, including the seafood import ban. Iwaya reiterated Japan’s request for China to lift the restrictions, reflecting ongoing efforts to resolve trade tensions that have impacted Japanese seafood producers.

While in Tokyo, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and noted that China and Japan have restarted the process of improving bilateral relations since Ishiba took office last October.

According to China Daily, The Japanese prime minister expressed his willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in order to promote the development of bilateral ties and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Wang said that China and Japan share a common mission to work together to usher in a better future for Asia and he hopes Japan will make wise choices with a responsible attitude toward history, its people, and the future, and send the right signals to the world.

Historical disputes and future cooperation

The meeting also touched upon historical and territorial disputes that have long strained relations among the three nations. China’s Wang Yi emphasized the importance of acknowledging history to build a better future, referencing the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He suggested that sincere reflection on historical events is crucial for fostering mutual understanding and trust.

Despite these challenges, the ministers expressed a shared commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation. They recognized that while differences persist, collaborative efforts in areas such as technology, climate change, and public health could serve as catalysts for improved relations.

The Tokyo meeting marks a cautious yet hopeful step toward deeper collaboration among Japan, China, and South Korea. The agreement to expedite a leaders’ summit later this year indicates a collective willingness to address both historical grievances and contemporary challenges through sustained dialogue.

As global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the outcomes of these trilateral engagements will significantly influence the future of East Asian diplomacy. The international community will be closely monitoring how these nations navigate their complex relationships, balancing competition with cooperation in pursuit of regional peace and prosperity.