Leaders from China, Japan, and South Korea will gather in Seoul to discuss economic issues, amidst efforts to balance relations amid US-China rivalry and security concerns over North Korea. The meeting, the first of its kind in over four years, comes as tensions in the Asia-Pacific region continue to evolve.
Leaders from China, Japan, and South Korea will convene for their first trilateral meeting in over four years on Monday. The summit, intended to address economic issues, will occur in Seoul, with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang attending.
This meeting marks a significant diplomatic effort, aiming to balance relations amidst the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry. Despite being security allies of the United States, Japan and South Korea maintain substantial trade relations with China. The trilateral discussions come after years of halted meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and tense relations between Japan and South Korea.
Renewed connections between South Korea and Japan, encouraged by shared concerns over China and North Korea, prompted the resumption of these meetings. Analysts suggest the summit will allow Beijing to counteract U.S. strategies in the Asia-Pacific region, though China’s influence, particularly under Li Qiang, may be limited.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of heightened military activity by China, evolving Taiwan tensions, and North Korea’s advancing nuclear program. While seeking improved relations with China, Japan and South Korea are also expected to maintain strong security ties with the United States. Additionally, they aim to press China for cooperation in managing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and mitigating the military collaboration between North Korea and Russia.
