Japan, China, South Korea hold joint summit with Southeast Asian nations

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan, China and South Korea on Thursday held a joint foreign ministerial-level summit with Southeast Asian nations in the Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.

“Japan would like to work with other countries to enhance a rules-based, free, fair and open international economic order amidst rising tensions over the global economy and international trade,” Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said.

Iwaya said that on common challenges, Tokyo will continue collaborating with Southeast Asian nations in disaster management, food security, and on the low birthrate and the aging population, as well as countering organized crime.

He also expressed concerns over North Korea’s “advancement of nuclear and missile development” and over its military cooperation with Russia, according to a statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry website.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that cooperation in East Asia has boosted economic integration, improved crisis response, and driven regional development, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

“Cooperation in various fields has achieved remarkable results, helping East Asia become the most dynamic region in the world,” Wang said.

While regional cooperation is strong, the Chinese foreign minister warned of growing threats from “unilateralism”, “protectionism”, and trade barriers. He called for unity to push forward integration, enhance resilience, and deepen ties across trade, finance, innovation, and culture.

He underscored that China proposed four key directions: build a connected economy, strengthen financial safety, embrace innovation, and promote cultural exchange.

For his part, South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo emphasized the role of the ASEAN Plus Three framework as a major economic power, according to the Korea Herald.

Park expressed his hopes for continued joint efforts to address shared regional challenges.