Cooperation the guarantee for prosperity

Embracing the ancient wisdom that “close neighbors are better than distant relatives” China has long championed a philosophy of fostering strong ties with its neighboring countries. Despite trilateral relations encountering some disruptions due to the changing dynamics in the international terrain in recent years, China has constantly kept the door open to warmer relations with Japan and the Republic of Korea, along with its other neighbors.

It is beyond doubt that a strong trilateral partnership is in the interest of all three parties. Greater trilateral cooperation among China, Japan, and the ROK has, as all three have acknowledged, the potential to bring about significant economic, political, and social benefits for not only them, but the region at large. By leveraging their complementary strengths and addressing common challenges, the three neighbors can not only produce direct tangible benefits for themselves but also consolidate a more stable, prosperous and interconnected region as a whole.

The high-level engagements between China, Japan, and the ROK over the past few days represent a significant step toward renewed and enhanced trilateral cooperation that promises to give a shot in the arm to their trilateral cooperation and thus a boost to regional development.

Commencing on Friday, a series of diplomatic dialogues were held in Tokyo, bringing together the top diplomats of China, Japan, and the ROK for substantive talks on the current state of trilateral relations and ways to inject vitality into their trilateral partnership to maintain the positive momentum that has been generated. The discussions included the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue, alongside a meeting hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

The productive conversations among Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya and ROK counterpart Cho Tae-yul resulted in a consensus on bolstering communication, fostering mutual trust, and deepening collaboration among the three nations.

Amid the complex global landscape and sluggish economic recovery, deepening trilateral cooperation is undoubtedly the logical and responsible choice for the three neighbors. Despite disruptions in recent years and the subsequent deterioration of relations among them, the overall trajectory of China-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation over the past few decades has been one of growth and accompanying increased influence on certainly the Asian, and arguably the global, economy.

As major economies collectively accounting for a significant portion of the global population and GDP, China, Japan, and the ROK are pivotal economic engines in East Asia and beyond. Amid the global volatility, their strengthened trilateral cooperation stands to instill confidence and certainty and thus has a positive and fundamental impact on regional and global development.

To fortify the East Asia cooperation framework, the three neighbors must nurture a cycle of mutual reinforcement, starting with bolstering bilateral relations. Respect for core interests, adept management of differences, and cultivating a cooperative spirit are essential. The suggestions put forward by Wang emphasize deepening economic ties, reviving negotiations on the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Agreement, fostering innovation, expanding cultural exchanges, addressing common challenges, and collaborating on nontraditional security issues.

The tripartite cooperation mechanism of East Asia is poised to make significant advancements. By building on the existing positive momentum, fostering mutual trust, and solidifying their consensus with practical efforts and initiatives, the three nations can ensure that not only is it a platform for regional peace and stability but it also serves as a driving force for global prosperity and development. [Abridged]

Editorial, China Daily