• Japan, China, and South Korea meet to discuss regional security and economic cooperation.
• Foreign ministers recognize historical divisions and the importance of dialogue for peace.
• Concerns over North Korea's nuclear ambitions and potential trade issues loom over talks.

In a significant diplomatic gathering, the foreign ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea convened in Tokyo on March 22, aiming to strengthen cooperation amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed during the meeting, “Given the increasingly severe international situation, I believe we may truly be at a turning point in history,” a sentiment echoed by his counterparts as they pledged to promote mutual understanding and collaborative efforts.

The discussions marked the first meeting since 2023 and followed a trilateral summit in Seoul the previous year. The ministers addressed the necessity of overcoming historical grievances to establish a more stable future. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized that maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula is a shared responsibility, particularly amidst concerns over North Korea's advancing nuclear program and military cooperation with Russia. "We reaffirmed that maintaining peace and stability is a shared interest," Cho stated.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the importance of honest reflections on World War II in building future relations among the three countries. He proposed the resumption of free trade talks as part of broader economic discussions intended to enhance trilateral cooperation. The meeting also touched upon future-oriented economic dialogues, marking the first high-level interaction between China and Japan in six years.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, the meeting took place against a backdrop of considerable challenges, including rising U.S. trade tariffs and concerns over regional security posed by China, which remains a pivotal ally to North Korea. Iwaya pointed out the pressing need for a candid dialogue on North Korea’s arsenal and discussed the impacts of a ban on Japanese seafood imports imposed by China in response to the Fukushima disaster.

As the ministers concluded their discussions, Iwaya announced that the three nations would accelerate preparations for their next summit aimed at furthering these cooperative efforts. The commitment from Japan, South Korea, and China marks a notable step in navigating deep historical divides while addressing pressing security challenges in the East Asian region. For detailed coverage, refer to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.