Trade ministers of Japan, China and South Korea hold ”consultations” in Seoul... ”reunion” for the first time in about five years

The economic and trade ministers of Japan, China and South Korea will meet in Seoul on the 30th of this month. This will be the first meeting between the trade ministers of these three countries in about five years since their meeting in Beijing in December 2019.
According to a South Korean government source on the 27th, the meeting was attended by Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoshiharu Muto, South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Deok-keun, and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
Based on the agreement reached at the Japan-China-Korea Trilateral Summit held in May last year, the trade ministers of the three countries will discuss the development and supply of the Japan-China-Korea FTA (Free Trade Agreement) and RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership).
The two sides are said to be discussing issues of common interest, such as cooperation in stabilizing the supply chain. In addition, the meeting will be held just before the announcement of the "reciprocal tariffs" teased by the U.S. government on April 2, and the two sides are expected to discuss protectionism and trade issues.
With the rise of free trade, there is speculation that there may be tripartite talks on promoting a free trade order. Bilateral talks are also planned to be held on the occasion of this meeting.
A China-Korea commerce ministers' meeting will be held on the 29th, and a Japan-Korea trade ministers' meeting will be held on the 30th. In addition, a meeting between Japan and China is also scheduled to be held.