China, Japan, and South Korea just had a remarkable three-way diplomatic meeting. They worked to enhance bilateral collaboration, both in the context of longstanding historical animosities and present-day geopolitical strife. The third meeting marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Now, more than ever, representatives from the three nations actively discussed a myriad of pressing issues. China's Wang Yi emphasized the importance of reflecting on history to build a better future, highlighting China's support for enhanced cooperation to jointly resist risks and promote mutual understanding.
No wonder then that China quickly zeroed in on an alternative—resuming their own free trade talks. They wanted to enlarge the membership of their 15-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Given its economy, its tremendous breakthroughs and its massive markets, China will continue to have the ability to be extraordinarily influential in the area. Herein lies the challenge facing China’s very ambitious goals — tremendous pushback with Tokyo and Seoul. The differences are rooted in fundamental concerns, such as China’s backing of North Korea, its growing military intimidation around Taiwan, and its support of Russia in the war against Ukraine.
“Our three nations have a combined population of nearly 1.6 billion and an economic output exceeding $24 trillion. With our vast markets and great potential, we can exert significant influence,” Wang stated.
Japan’s Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, urged all parties to reach consensus on East Asia’s security. He knows that this is particularly important now as global uncertainty is spiking again on economic concerns. Iwaya accepted that Japan has historical and territorial disputes with China as well as South Korea. He’s hopeful for what could come through continued conversation.
“The international situation has become increasingly severe, and it is no exaggeration to say that we are at a turning point in history,” Iwaya remarked.
A key issue on the agenda was the Japanese seafood import ban. On August 29, China announced this ban in reaction to the release of treated wastewater from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant. Iwaya urged China to exercise its influence over North Korea to press Pyongyang to renounce its nuclear weapons development program. In his announcement, he promised to meet separately with his Chinese and South Korean counterparts. This would be the first such high-level economic dialogue with Beijing in six years.
