Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to strengthening cooperation among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) during a high-level meeting in Tokyo on Friday. Describing the trilateral partnership as 'a cornerstone of regional stability,' Wang emphasized the group's potential to address global uncertainties through shared cultural wisdom and strategic alignment.
The veteran diplomat, who serves on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, invoked a regional proverb – 'A nearby neighbor is better than a distant relative' – to highlight the urgency of collaboration amid growing international tensions. 'This ancient saying mirrors contemporary realities,' Wang noted during discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and counterparts from Japan and the ROK.
Highlighting practical outcomes, officials pointed to established mechanisms in trade, technology, and crisis management that have facilitated $800 billion in annual three-way commerce. Analysts suggest renewed focus on supply chain resilience and green energy initiatives could emerge as new cooperation frontiers.
The meetings coincided with historical reflections marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Wang stressed the importance of 'establishing a correct historical worldview' to inform future cooperation, while reaffirming China's commitment to UN-centered multilateralism.
Observers note the trilateral dialogue's timing precedes several regional diplomatic summits, positioning the group as potential stabilizers in Northeast Asia's evolving security architecture. Business leaders have welcomed the developments, with a Tokyo-based trade analyst telling KhabarAsia: 'Closer policy coordination could ease market uncertainties across key industries.'
