📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
China’s Premier Li Qiang, along with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, are set to participate in the first three-way talks in four years in Seoul. The leaders will focus on revitalizing trade and security dialogues that have been challenged by global tensions. The summit will address key areas such as the economy, trade, science and technology, people-to-people exchanges, and health and aging populations.
The leaders have already engaged in bilateral talks, with agreements being made to resume free trade negotiations and diplomatic dialogues. Issues such as Taiwan and North Korea’s expanding nuclear capabilities have also been discussed. Notably, North Korea has informed Japan about its plan to launch a rocket carrying a space satellite, drawing concerns from the United States, Japan, and South Korea. They have called on North Korea to cancel the launch due to its violation of U.N. resolutions.
During the trilateral summit, efforts will be made to enhance communication at high levels and collaborate on various fronts, including climate change, conservation, health, trade, and international peace. The aim is to increase people-to-people exchanges to 40 million by 2030 through cultural, tourism, and educational interactions. The leaders will also address pandemic preparedness and intellectual property protection.
Trade relations between China, South Korea, and Japan have been competitive and have faced challenges due to external pressures, such as the U.S. calls for supply chains to be shifted away from China. The leaders aim to establish a transparent and predictable trade and supply chain environment. Although progress is being made, there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of market access and business environment.
The trilateral summit is a significant step in promoting regional cooperation and reducing tensions among the three countries. While major announcements may not be expected, the gathering itself signifies a positive development in the relationship between China, South Korea, and Japan. The leaders are working towards establishing a conducive environment for trade, security, and overall regional stability.