The leaders of China and Japan have arrived in Seoul for their first trilateral summit in five years, with a focus on economic issues rather than sensitive geopolitics. Low expectations are set for major announcements or breakthroughs during the meeting on Monday, but hopes are high for revitalizing three-way diplomacy and easing regional tensions.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday, marking Li’s first visit to South Korea since taking office in March 2023. Yoon highlighted the common challenges faced by China and South Korea in international affairs, referencing the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He expressed hope for strengthening cooperation amid global uncertainties.
Li emphasized Beijing’s desire to work with Seoul as a trustworthy neighbor on a mutual basis. The trilateral meeting on Monday, the first since 2019, aims to improve relations between the three countries, particularly between South Korea and Japan.
Yoon, who assumed office in 2022, has been working to improve ties with Japan, focusing on addressing North Korea’s nuclear threats. He highlighted the increased trust and exchanges between the two countries, pointing to flourishing tourism.
Kishida emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo to address global issues while maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Despite their differing positions on key issues, experts suggest that the summit will prioritize economic cooperation over security concerns.
The North Korea-related issues are expected to be difficult to resolve quickly, leading the summit to focus more on economic collaboration. Potential areas of disagreement between Seoul and Tokyo include a business dispute over ownership of the messaging app LINE.
Economically, Japan may raise concerns about China’s suspension of Japanese seafood imports, while the summit aims to make incremental progress across functional issues in Northeast Asia. The re-engagement of China in trilateral coordination is seen as positive for a rules-based regional order.
Yoon and Kishida are advised not to allow Beijing to leverage trilateral cooperation for silence on contentious issues like Taiwan, the South China Sea, human rights, and unfair trade practices.
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