SEOUL – The leaders of South Korea, China, and Japan are set to convene for their first trilateral summit in over four years in Seoul on May 26-27, according to an announcement from Seoul’s presidential office on May 23.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will engage in bilateral discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on May 26. The three leaders will then participate in a trilateral summit the following day, South Korean deputy national security advisor Kim Tae-hyo revealed during a briefing.
The summit will culminate in the adoption of a joint statement covering six key areas, including the economy and trade. This marks a significant step in regional cooperation after a hiatus caused by bilateral disputes and the Covid-19 pandemic. The last such summit took place in late 2019.
This meeting occurs amid efforts by South Korea and Japan to mend historically strained relations while enhancing their trilateral security partnership with the United States against the backdrop of rising Sino-US tensions.
Beijing has previously cautioned that Washington’s attempts to strengthen ties with Seoul and Tokyo could lead to increased regional tension and confrontation. The upcoming summit will be closely watched for its potential impact on regional dynamics and international relations.