South Korea, China and Japan held their first economic dialogue in five years on Sunday, seeking to facilitate regional trade as the three Asian export powers brace from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The countries’ three trade ministers agreed to “closely cooperate for a comprehensive and high-level” talks on a South Korea-Japan-China free trade agreement deal to promote “regional and global trade,” according to a statement released after the meeting.
South Korea, China, and Japan have pledged to strengthen trilateral economic cooperation and promote free trade amid growing global trade tensions. In a summit held in Tokyo, the leaders of the three nations emphasized their commitment to counter protectionist policies and reinforce regional economic partnerships.
With U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum creating uncertainty for major exporters, the three countries aim to enhance collaboration through mechanisms like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). They also discussed measures to ensure stability in supply chains and facilitate smoother trade flows.
The agreement underscores the importance of multilateral trade frameworks in the face of rising unilateral trade barriers. As the global economy grapples with potential disruptions, South Korea, China, and Japan are focusing on maintaining open markets and fostering sustainable growth in the region.
