The outcome of the trilateral summit in Seoul will have positive impacts on the regional scheme of things in the future.
For nearly five years, souring relations meant that Japan, China, and South Korea (JCK) went their own ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has also prevented them from meeting since 2019.
When Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met in Seoul on Monday, they discussed peace, increased trade, and other key issues.
The weekend meeting showed that when these leaders sit down together, they can address matters of mutual and regional concern that benefit the region, such as supply chain resilience, people-to-people exchanges, climate change, health issues, technology, and disaster responses.
Their joint presence reminds the world that the Asian Century is still in vogue despite numerous geopolitical challenges.
These three Asian powerhouses have navigated their relations through various unpredictable circumstances and pressures.
Despite their disagreements, they share strong sentimental ties.
Ahead of the summit, political pundits were skeptical about the outcome.
But the opposite proved true. Both Japan and South Korea, two key U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region, are in a reconciliatory mood with China.
The summit clearly demonstrated that together the trio can balance the tilt towards the U.S., given the distinctive Asian way of solidarity and consultation.
For instance, Yoon and Li agreed to set up a diplomatic and security dialogue during their bilateral talks.
Japan and South Korea also improved their bilateral ties and security cooperation.
These sideline meetings positively impacted their overall relationships.
It is welcome news, too, that the three economic giants also agreed to continue working toward a free trade agreement.
Lest we forget, they signed the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2020 along with the 10 members of ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand.
That helps explain why trade among RCEP members is on the rise as the supply chain within the broader Asian region remains robust, except in the semiconductor sector.
The JCK also strongly supports the multilateral trade system.
One of the biggest concerns for the summit was North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Under Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, Pyongyang has doubled down on its nuclear ambitions and continues to test long-range missiles.
The joint statement declared, “We reiterated positions on regional peace and stability, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the abductions issue, respectively.
We agree to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue.”
The statement reaffirmed that the denuclearization of North Korea remains their common concern.
Stability on the Korean Peninsula is essential for the economic development of the region.
Apart from the JCK, ASEAN has also called for the denuclearization of North Korea and implemented various UN Security Council resolutions on sanctions.
Given this trajectory, it is safe to state that from now on there will be regular trilateral summits aimed at bolstering economic cooperation, a prerequisite for further regional integration and development.
The comfort level among the trio will increase, and the rapport between Li, Kishida, and Yoon will further promote their countries’ friendship and cooperation.
Kavi Chongkittavorn
Photo : (L-R) Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, and China’s Premier Li Qiang attend a joint news conference following their trilateral summit meeting in Seoul on May 27.//AFP
