The leaders of South Korea and Japan recently engaged in talks with China to restore economic cooperation after years of strained relations. The three-way meeting focused on issues such as protecting supply chains, promoting trade, and addressing challenges related to aging populations and infectious diseases. While the leaders avoided discussing sensitive security issues like Taiwan and North Korea, North Korea’s announcement of a planned rocket launch added tension to the region. North Korea’s aggressive military posture has raised concerns in South Korea and Japan, with reports of the country expanding its arms trade with Russia.
South Korea and Japan have called on China to use its economic influence to help curb North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, as Beijing remains reluctant to do so. Despite criticism from South Korean and Japanese leaders regarding North Korea’s satellite launch plan, China’s representative at the trilateral meeting only called for restraint and a political settlement. Meanwhile, South Korea conducted an airstrike drill in response to North Korean provocation, underscoring the region’s security concerns.
The trilateral meeting between China, Japan, and South Korea, held for the first time in over four years, aimed to promote regional cooperation. Despite disruptions to the annual meeting in the past due to diplomatic spats and the pandemic, the leaders recognized the importance of regional stability and cooperation in the post-pandemic economic recovery. China, Japan, and South Korea, which collectively account for more than one-fifth of global economic output, emphasized the need for regional peace and stability to support economic growth.
An increased strategic competition between the United States and China has affected the relationships between Beijing and its East Asian neighbors. China’s assertiveness in the South and East China Seas has led to joint military drills and strengthened security cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. While the U.S. remains a crucial ally for Japan and South Korea, China’s efforts to court the two countries through economic cooperation and free trade agreements have challenged American influence in the region.
Japan and South Korea have made efforts to improve their own bilateral relations, addressing historical disputes and expanding military cooperation with the United States to counter threats from North Korea and China. During the trilateral meeting, Japan and South Korea expressed concerns about challenges in doing business in China, with Mr. Kishida calling for the release of Japanese nationals detained in China on suspicion of espionage. The leaders also discussed new channels for security cooperation and supply chain issues.
Overall, the trilateral meeting between China, Japan, and South Korea highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and stability in the face of growing geopolitical tensions. While China aims to strengthen economic ties with Japan and South Korea to lessen American influence in the region, the three nations acknowledged the need to work together on shared interests and economic recovery. Despite differing opinions on security issues like North Korea, the leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation for regional peace and stability.
