Japan, China, South Korea Discuss East Asian Security in Tokyo

In a significant meeting in Tokyo, the foreign ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea discussed pressing East Asian security and economic issues while preparing for a trilateral summit. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya emphasized the need for cooperation amid escalating global tensions, noting the three nations' combined population of 1.6 billion and an economic output exceeding $24 trillion. Despite the positive dialogue, deep divisions persist, particularly regarding China's support for North Korea and its military activities around Taiwan, which Japan and South Korea view as threats. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul urged China to assist in persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions and cease military cooperation with Russia. Additionally, the meeting included plans for high-level economic discussions, addressing issues such as China's ban on Japanese seafood imports following the Fukushima disaster. This trilateral cooperation is seen as a crucial step for regional security and stability in the context of shifting global alliances.