Leaders from South Korea, China, and Japan are set to hold their first trilateral summit in nearly five years in Seoul, South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, with separate bilateral talks planned as well. The leaders will also attend a business summit, aiming to foster cooperation among the three countries. Diplomatic and historical disputes between South Korea and Japan have hindered previous meetings, but the increasing threat from North Korea has prompted Yoon to work on improving ties with Japan and strengthening relations with the United States.
Legal disputes stemming from Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945 have led to tensions between South Korea and Japan. However, as North Korea’s nuclear threat looms, Yoon has taken steps to reconcile with Japan and enhance cooperation with the United States. Trilateral security cooperation was emphasized during a summit last year at Camp David, where the three allies criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea, leading to complaints from Beijing. Yoon has expressed concerns over tensions related to Taiwan and efforts to change the status quo by force, while China remains a key economic partner for South Korea and a diplomatic ally of North Korea.
The upcoming trilateral summit follows a meeting between China and North Korea, where both sides hailed a “new chapter” in their relations. China has been a significant economic benefactor and diplomatic ally of North Korea, obstructing efforts at the United Nations Security Council to impose stricter sanctions on Pyongyang. China’s influence, along with that of Russia, has played a role in shaping international responses to North Korea’s weapons tests. The summit in Seoul will also mark Li’s first visit to South Korea since assuming office as China’s premier in March 2023, signaling a potential new phase in trilateral relations.
In response to the threats posed by North Korea’s weapons tests, South Korea, Japan, and the United States have sought to strengthen security cooperation through trilateral mechanisms. Yoon’s efforts to mend relations with Japan have been motivated by the need to address shared security challenges, including the North Korean threat. The trilateral summit aims to enhance economic cooperation and address regional security concerns, while navigating complex historical and diplomatic issues that have strained relations between South Korea, China, and Japan in the past.
The diplomatic engagement between South Korea, China, and Japan comes against the backdrop of regional tensions and power struggles in East Asia. China’s growing assertiveness in the region, coupled with its expanding influence and economic clout, has raised concerns among its neighbors. The upcoming trilateral summit presents an opportunity for the three countries to address common challenges and deepen cooperation on a range of issues, from security to trade. As the leaders gather in Seoul, they will seek to navigate sensitive historical and political issues while promoting stability and prosperity in the region.
