Title: Japan, China, and South Korea Looks to Revive Trilateral Cooperation Amidst Shifting Diplomatic Landscape
In an effort to strengthen their regional ties, the foreign ministers of Japan and China, Yoko Kamikawa and Wang Yi, have expressed their commitment to reviving three-way cooperation between Japan, China, and South Korea. Despite facing suspensions and remaining stalled since 2019, officials have agreed to restart the trilateral summit as soon as possible.
The relationships between these three countries have long been complicated, as they touch on various sensitive issues such as military alliances, security cooperation with the United States, and regional dominance. However, recent developments, including a conciliatory tone struck between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, provide diplomatic opportunities for the three countries to revive their cooperation.
During bilateral talks, the Japanese foreign minister, Yoko Kamikawa, demanded that China remove its ban on seafood imports from Japan in response to Japan’s discharge of treated radioactive wastewater. In contrast, China opposed Japan’s actions and called for independent monitoring of the process. These disputes highlight the complexity of the issues that need to be addressed for trilateral cooperation to move forward.
Meanwhile, relations between South Korea and Japan have seen improvement, but a recent ruling by a Seoul court ordered Japan to financially compensate Koreans who were forced into sexual slavery during the colonial period. Despite this contentious issue, the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan discussed the court ruling and ways to work together to reinvigorate three-way cooperation with China.
In addition, South Korean President Moon Jae-in asked China to play a constructive role in persuading North Korea to halt provocations and denuclearize. China, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the region, called for stronger trade and economic ties with South Korea while criticizing the politicization of economic issues.
The growing arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles in North Korea presents a significant security threat to both South Korea and Japan. Moreover, China has been suspected of covertly assisting North Korea to maintain its influence on the Korean Peninsula. These security concerns further underscore the importance of trilateral cooperation for the stability and security of the region.
As the diplomatic landscape continues to shift, Japan, China, and South Korea recognize the need to revive their cooperation. The commitment expressed by their foreign ministers signifies a willingness to tackle contentious issues and work towards a stronger trilateral relationship. While challenges remain, the opportunity for renewed cooperation presents a promising path forward in an increasingly interconnected world.
