Seminar & Forum International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation 2025
2025-07-01
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The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) hosted the International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation (IFTC) 2025 on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Tokyo, under the theme “Shaping the Future Together: Navigating Global Complexity through Trilateral Cooperation.” The forum returned to Japan for the first time since 2018, after being suspended during the pandemic. The event attracted more than 200 on-site attendees and several hundred online participants, offering valuable insights into the future of trilateral cooperation.
In the opening session, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup emphasized the need to transition from quantitative growth to qualitative progress in trilateral cooperation. He noted that while last year marked the 25th anniversary of trilateral cooperation, next year will mark the 15th anniversary of TCS’s establishment. Acknowledging the complex global challenges jointly faced by China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK)—including geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and rising protectionism—he stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, citizens, media, and think tanks, reaffirming TCS’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and shared culture among the three countries.
On-site congratulatory remarks were delivered by H.E. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. WU Jianghao, Ambassador of China to Japan, and H.E. PARK Cheol-hee, Ambassador of the ROK to Japan. Keynote speeches followed, delivered by Ms. KAWAGUCHI Yoriko, former Minister of the Environment and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; Mr. WU Hailong, President of the China Public Diplomacy Association; and Mr. KIM Jin-pyo, Chairman of Global Innovation Studies and former Speaker of the ROK National Assembly.
In the two subsequent sessions, high-level officials, diplomats, prominent scholars, and policymakers examined both the structural foundations and practical dimensions of trilateral cooperation. They discussed the rationale for revitalizing trilateral efforts and the institutional frameworks needed to sustain them, while also exploring areas of collaboration that directly affect people’s lives.
Session 1, “Revitalizing Regional Connectivity: Institutionalizing Trilateral Cooperation for a Stable and Peaceful Northeast Asia,” explored how the three countries can reinforce the strategic and institutional foundations of cooperation. Speakers underscored the value of holding trilateral summits and ministerial meetings on a regular basis, alongside efforts to strengthen institutional capacity. Key proposals included regularizing dialogue mechanisms, establishing crisis response systems, expanding “CJK + X” cooperation, and empowering TCS. The session also underscored the importance of engaging non-governmental sectors—such as think tanks, media, and academia—to foster mutual trust and promote sustainable peace in the region.
Session 2, “Driving Inclusive Growth: In Pursuit of a More Prosperous Northeast Asia amid Global Challenges,” explored pathways to achieving inclusive growth in the context of highly aged societies, the climate crisis and the pursuit of carbon neutrality, and enhanced regional economic cooperation. The speakers emphasized the urgency of climate action and the opportunities presented by green and digital transitions. The session also underscored the importance of regional economic integration and trade frameworks in supporting sustainable development. Closer trilateral cooperation—and collaboration across academic and policy arenas—was recognized as vital to addressing shared challenges and securing long-term resilience and prosperity.
Since 2011, the IFTC has served as one of TCS’s flagship annual projects, raising public awareness of trilateral cooperation and providing in-depth policy references to the three governments. The 2025 Forum was supported by major media outlets from the three countries: Asahi Shimbun, People’s Daily, and Chosun Ilbo.
▲Group Photo
▲Congratulatory Remarks from H.E. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
▲Congratulatory Remarks from H.E. WU Jianghao, Ambassador of China to Japan
▲Congratulatory Remarks from H.E. PARK Cheol-hee, Ambassador of the ROK to Japan
▲Opening Remarks from TCS Secretary-General, LEE Hee-sup
▲Keynote Speech by Ms. KAWAGUCHI Yoriko, Former Minister of the Environment and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
▲Keynote Speech by Mr. WU Hailong, President of the China Public Diplomacy Association
▲Keynote Speech by Mr. KIM Jin-pyo, Chairman of Global Innovation Studies and former Speaker of the ROK National Assembly
▲Session 1 “Revitalizing Regional Connectivity: Institutionalizing Trilateral Cooperation for a Stable and Peaceful Northeast Asia”
▲Session 2 “Driving Inclusive Growth: In Pursuit of a More Prosperous Northeast Asia amid Global Challenges”
