South Korea, China, and Japan are set to host their first trilateral summit in four years, despite strained diplomatic relations. The summit aims to address issues such as economics, trade, climate change, and disaster response. However, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping limits discussions on military and security matters.
Although some diplomats view the summit as primarily symbolic, there is hope for progress in practical cooperation areas like people-to-people exchanges. Concerns about access to Chinese officials, visa regulations, and IP protection highlight the challenges faced by South Korea and Japan in operating in China.
The influence of the United States in the region, particularly in response to China’s actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan, adds complexity to the trilateral dynamics. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s efforts to strengthen ties with Japan and adopt a stance aligned with Washington have further impacted regional dynamics.
Despite challenges, the resumption of the trilateral summit after a long hiatus signifies a step towards regional cooperation. While major breakthroughs may not be expected, incremental progress in practical areas could benefit the people directly.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.