Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to strengthen their cooperation to bring stability to the region amid global uncertainties.
Speaking after the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Saturday, Wang emphasized the necessity and responsibility of the three nations to enhance communication, build mutual trust, and deepen cooperation.
“In a world of intertwined changes and a sluggish global economy, it’s crucial for us to work together,” Wang said. “By joining forces, we can inject much-needed stability into our region’s peaceful development.”
The ministers discussed the positive progress of trilateral cooperation and agreed to consolidate this momentum. Wang highlighted the importance of implementing the six key areas of cooperation identified at last year’s Trilateral Summit.
The three countries are considering holding the 10th Trilateral Summit Meeting within this year. “We’ve had useful communication about hosting the summit and agreed to create favorable conditions and atmosphere for it,” Wang noted.
Economic integration was a key topic, with a consensus to promote regional economic ties. The nations plan to restart negotiations on a trilateral free trade agreement, expand the membership of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and maintain stable regional production and supply chains.
Wang also mentioned plans to build a scientific and technological innovation hub in Asia, aiming to promote new quality productivity forces.
Cultural exchanges are set to deepen, with 2025-2026 designated as the China-Japan-ROK Year of Cultural Exchange. The goal is to increase people-to-people exchanges among the three countries to 40 million by 2030.
“We will also strengthen cooperation in social welfare and green, low-carbon development to bring better benefits to our people,” Wang added.
The ministers pledged to adhere to multilateralism and free trade, working towards a more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial economic globalization.
