Latest Developments in Trilateral Diplomatic Talks: Chinese Premier Li Agrees to Launch Security Dialogue and Free Trade Talks with South Korea, Discusses Taiwan Tensions with Japanese Prime Minister

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held bilateral meetings ahead of the first trilateral summit between the three Asian neighbors in over four years. The leaders discussed various diplomatic and security matters, including tensions around Taiwan and the importance of stable supply chains.

During the meetings, Li and Yoon agreed to launch a diplomatic and security dialogue, resume free trade talks, and work together on regional and global challenges. Yoon emphasized the need for cooperation in the face of complex crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global economic uncertainties. Li expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation in various fields like high-end manufacturing, new energy, and artificial intelligence.

Yoon also met with Kishida to discuss deepening ties with Japan as they approach the 60th anniversary of normalizing relations. Kishida stressed the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait, while also requesting China to lift an import ban on Japanese seafood and release Japanese citizens detained in China. China and Japan agreed to hold a new round of bilateral high-level economic dialogue.

The three leaders will adopt a joint statement covering areas like the economy, trade, science and technology, people-to-people exchanges, and health at the trilateral summit. The summit comes at a time when South Korea and Japan are working to improve relations while strengthening their partnership with the United States in the face of increased rivalry with China.

Beijing has expressed concerns about elevated relations between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, warning against actions that could escalate regional tension. The leaders have also reiterated their stance on the importance of maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Despite the challenges and tensions, the trilateral summit aims to promote cooperation and dialogue among the three Asian neighbors.