TCS

On May 14, 2025, Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) visited Sejong City and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mayor CHOI Min-ho. This marks the first time that TCS has signed a comprehensive MoU with a local government in the Republic of Korea.Under this MoU, TCS and Sejong City agreed to jointly host the 2026 Young Ambassador Program (YAP) and also connect TCS-led inter-city cooperation programs. The partnership aims to create new opportunities for youth and strengthen cultural ties among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.Mayor CHOI stated, “This MoU opens the door for young people to experience a broader world. Through collaboration with TCS, Sejong City will continue to provide diverse programs for youth and contribute to trilateral cooperation.”Secretary-General LEE commented, “It is meaningful that Sejong City, as Korea’s administrative capital, will not only welcome overseas students for educational exchange but also co-host the trilateral Young Ambassador Program next year with TCS. Together, let us build a model of international cooperation that promotes youth exchange and fosters mutual understanding among future generations.”This partnership reflects the shared commitment of TCS and Sejong City to supporting youth engagement and enhancing trilateral friendship through meaningful cultural and educational initiatives.▲MoU Signing between TCS and Sejong City▲Group Photo▲Secretary-General LEE meeting with Sejong City Mayor CHOI Min-ho

TCS Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang delivered a lecture to 27 students from Yonsei University, including international students from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The visit was part of a special session of the university course Understanding East Asia.During the lecture, DSG YAN provided an in-depth introduction to the background, structure, and key functions of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. He also shared insights into the significance of institutionalized trilateral cooperation among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. In addition to the main lecture, a TCS Program Officer introduced TCS's youth exchange initiatives, including the Trilateral Youth Summit, and encouraged students to engage with ongoing programs that promote mutual understanding and friendship among the younger generation of the three countries.The visit served as a meaningful opportunity for the students to learn about regional cooperation mechanisms and explore future pathways for youth participation in East Asian diplomacy.▲Group Photo▲DSG YAN delivering a lecture

On April 29, 2025, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup paid a courtesy visit to Mr. KIM Jin-pyo, Chairman of Global Innovation Studies and former Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. Chairman KIM welcomed the resumption of high-level dialogue among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, including the successful convening of the 9th Trilateral Summit. Both SG LEE and Chairman KIM recognized that the current geopolitical climate presents a critical opportunity to strengthen trilateral cooperation. They exchanged views on the future direction of collaboration, underscoring the importance of a practical and action-oriented approach. Key areas of focus included the institutionalization of the Trilateral Summit, the expansion of youth exchanges, and the enhancement of people-to-people ties, particularly among local governments and through cultural initiatives. Chairman KIM acknowledged TCS’s continued efforts to advance trilateral cooperation and expressed his intention to actively support its future activities.▲Chairman KIM Jin-pyo and SG LEE Hee-sup

Anseong City successfully hosted the opening ceremony of the "2025 Culture City of East Asia – Anseong" on April 25 at Anseong Matchum Hall. The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), as a key stakeholder in promoting trilateral cultural exchange, was invited to attend the ceremony.The event featured vibrant performances, including Korea’s traditional Namsadang Baudeogi pungmulnori, China’s dragon dance, and Japan’s Nogaku theatrical performance, each showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the respective countries.Since 2014, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have annually designated one city in each country as a "Culture City of East Asia" (CCEA), following the agreement reached at the 4th Trilateral Culture Ministers' Meeting (TCMM) in 2012. For 2025, Anseong was selected alongside Huzhou and Macao in China and Kamakura in Japan.Throughout the year, Anseong will host a variety of cultural events, including a traditional performing arts festival featuring artists from the three countries, a trilateral food competition, joint concerts, and a youth exchange program. One of the key upcoming events is the East Asia Handmade Festival, set to take place at Anseong Matchum Land in May.▲Group Photo of 2025 CCEA City Representatives▲Performance