The Japan-China-ROK foreign ministers' meeting was held for the first time in 4 years and 3 months, but the trilateral summit meeting faces another hurdle.

The Japan-China-South Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Busan, southern South Korea, on the 26th of this month. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa from Japan, Communist Party Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi from China, and Park Jin from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from South Korea.
The Minister (equivalent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) participated. The three leaders agreed to develop cooperation in six areas, including people-to-people exchanges, science and technology, and peace and security. Also, the dates that have not been open since December 2019
They agreed to hold a China-South Korea summit at "as early as possible and at an appropriate time," but could not specify a specific target date. Japanese media said, ``It is true that the summit meeting that South Korea, the host country, is aiming for will be held within this year.
``The situation has become difficult,'' (Yomiuri Shimbun). This is the first face-to-face meeting between the foreign ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea in four years and three months since August 2019. Before the meeting, all three foreign ministers entered the venue on foot.
. Along the way, Foreign Minister Park explained the sights in English and the three of them posed for a commemorative photo. The event was not announced in advance and was designed to emphasize the closeness of the three countries.
At the beginning of the meeting, South Korean Foreign Minister Park, who is hosting the meeting, stated that she hoped to make efforts to hold a trilateral summit meeting as soon as possible. According to South Korea's Yonhap News,
In response to Foreign Minister Park's remarks, Foreign Minister Kamikawa made positive comments toward holding the summit, but Foreign Minister Wang did not directly mention the summit. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Kamikawa said, ``As a neighboring country, we may face difficult problems, but...
``The progress of trilateral cooperation will greatly contribute to peace and prosperity in the region and the world.'' Foreign Minister Wang said, ``China will continue to make efforts together with Japan and South Korea based on the policy of good-neighborhood and friendship, which treats neighboring countries as partners.''
” he said. The three leaders confirmed their policy to cooperate in six areas: economy and trade, public health, people-to-people exchanges, science and technology, sustainable development, and peace and security. Also, let's consider a military reconnaissance satellite as a wrap-up party.
They also exchanged opinions on how to deal with North Korea. Foreign Minister Kamikawa said, ``I hope that China will play an active role in nuclear and missile issues,'' bearing in mind that China is backing North Korea.
said. Foreign Minister Park also emphasized that ``peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is a common interest of the three countries, and is an essential condition for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.'' However, the relationship with China, which has strong ties with Russia and North Korea,
It was not possible to show a consensus on the issue. Furthermore, regarding the fighting in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Autonomous Region, both sides shared the recognition that it is necessary to increase diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation.
There were initially plans to hold a joint press conference after the meeting, but it was canceled. A dinner party was also planned, but was postponed due to the circumstances of Foreign Minister Wang. The Chinese side blames Foreign Minister Wang's "busy schedule".
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported, ``Some say this is a check on Japan and South Korea, which are strengthening cooperation with the United States.'' In addition, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, ``Mr. Wang returned to the post of foreign minister following the dismissal of Mr. Qin Gang.He is still a member of the Party Politburo,
Also serves as chief of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Work Committee. It has been pointed out that the increase in responsibilities has made it difficult to adjust schedules." Foreign Minister Wang headed home immediately after the meeting.
Although this was the first time in four years and three months that the foreign ministers of the three countries met, it has become virtually impossible for the three countries to hold a summit meeting before the end of this year, which has not been held for about four years. As mentioned above, the Foreign Ministers' Meeting
At the meeting, the three leaders agreed to accelerate work towards holding a China-China-ROK summit as soon as possible, but were unable to specify a target date.
The Japan-China-South Korea Summit was held in the Philippines in 1999 at the suggestion of then Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi.
It was held for the first time in conjunction with the conference. Since 2008, the event has been held in rotation in three countries. So far, the two leaders have discussed such topics as dealing with North Korea, which is proceeding with its nuclear and missile development, as well as economic cooperation.
In December 2019, the meeting was held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, and it was agreed that there would be close cooperation in response to North Korea. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Japan-China-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
They also confirmed that they will promote free trade. However, the following year, 2020, was postponed due to the deterioration of Japan-Korea relations as well as the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 2021 and 2022 too
It was never held. At the trilateral high-level talks held in September this year, it was agreed that the meeting would be held as soon as possible, and the South Korean government, which is hosting the meeting, wanted to pave the way for the meeting to be held through this foreign ministers' meeting, but
It has become difficult to hold the event. According to NHK, citing a Japanese government official, the situation is on the Chinese side. In recent years, Japan and South Korea have become more pro-American, while China has become more pro-American.
The relationship has become estranged due to the conflict. Going forward, it is expected that adjustments will continue to be made with a focus on holding the event early next year.