TCS

The 2024 Trilateral Visionary Group (TVG) was successfully held on November 27-29 in Seoul, Korea. The 2024 TVG was co-organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), the Korea Foundation (KF), and the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA). The event brought together 14 TVG members from the ROK, Japan, and China to engage in in-depth discussions on the progress, challenges, and opportunities of trilateral cooperation in the political, economic, and socio-cultural areas. The political session spoke highly of the developments of trilateral cooperation since the last TVG meeting, especially the 9th Trilateral Summit held in May 2024 in Seoul. The members emphasized the significance of trilateral cooperation amidst the increasing regional and global uncertainties. They agreed that the three countries should seek the common ground of cooperation while respecting differences when dealing with political and security issues, maintain regular and close communication to increase mutual trust and bring more concrete benefits to the peoples of the three countries. They look forward to the 10th Trilateral Summit and the 3rd TVG meeting to be successfully held in 2025 in Japan. The economic session focused on the concerted efforts to maintain stable and resilient industrial & supply chains among the three countries in the face of common challenges. The TVG members shared the consensus that the three countries benefit from the international free trade system and share the responsibility to further develop it. They suggested that the three countries should also leverage new opportunities for cooperation in emerging fields to promote their respective development. In the socio-cultural session, TVG members appreciated the efforts of the three governments in further facilitating people-to-people exchanges. They highlighted the significance of broader participation from all sectors of society, especially among young generations, local governments, think tanks, media, and private sectors, in advancing mutual understanding and friendship. The 2024 TVG was a follow-up event of the 9th Trilateral Summit, which welcomed the TVG to bring together eminent figures from the three countries for proposals for further improving the trilateral process. Through 4-5 meetings during the mandate of two years, the TVG is expected to submit a non-binding recommendation report to the three governments.▲Group Photo▲2024 TVG

On November 22, 2024, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup participated as a panelist in the KDCA Symposium & Roundtable on Climate Change and Health held in Seoul. The event aimed to share knowledge and insights in the health sector to address the climate crisis and strengthen collaborations to mitigate its health impacts. The symposium's thematic sessions featured presentations on health vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies related to climate change. These sessions included updates on the status of climate-health impact assessments in various countries, as well as mid- and long-term strategic plans. Following the symposium, the Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) chaired a high-level roundtable session. Global public health leaders and experts from various fields engaged in a discussion on "Global Perspectives and Future Challenges in the Health Sector Related to Climate Change." During the session, TCS Secretary-General LEE referenced the 9th Trilateral Summit held on May 27, 2024, which designated "Sustainable Development through Climate Change Response" as one of six key cooperation areas. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among neighboring countries to address the climate crisis and disasters, advocating for practical cooperation and support through a dedicated consultative body for climate and health. As a result of this event, the participating countries and related institutions agreed to establish a comprehensive cooperation framework and build legal and institutional infrastructure to address urgent public health challenges posed by the climate crisis. They committed to expanding a global network of climate-health experts, developing a global action plan, advocating policy changes, and prioritizing efforts to tackle the climate crisis together.▲High-Level Roundtable*Panel: JEE Youngmee (Commissioner, KDCA), LEE Hee-sup (Secretary-General of TCS, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat), Professor Masahiro Hashizume (University of Tokyo), Eduardo Banzon (Director, Asian Development Bank), Vincent Bretin (Director, Unitaid), Isabel Oliver (Chief Scientific Advisor, UK Health Security Agency), and OH Jin-Hee (Director, Risk Response Division, KDCA).

On November 17, 2024, the 11th CJK Cooperation Dialogue was held in Hainan, China. The event was hosted by the China Institute of Reform and Development (CIRD), Japan Economic Foundation (JEF) and East Asia Foundation (EAF) of the ROK, with support from the TCS. TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup delivered remarks during the Opening Ceremony. SG LEE highlighted the positives outcomes of the 9th Trilateral Summit, emphasizing the significance of people-to-people exchange including youth exchanges such as the CAMPUS Asia Program, and the upcoming "Year of Cultural Exchange" (2025–2026), aimed at fostering mutual understanding and co-prosperity. He remarked that the trilateral cooperation among China, Japan, and Korea have matured through a period of adolescence, marked by remarkable growth and institutionalization despite challenges posed by regional and global uncertainties. He underscored the importance of holding the Trilateral Summit on a regular basis and for TCS to have a larger role in facilitating Trilateral Cooperation, extending the benefits of cooperation beyond the region through “Trilateral + X” cooperation.This year’s Dialogue brought together experts and stakeholders from the three countries under the theme “Promoting Institutionalization of CJK Trilateral Cooperation”. The Plenary Session was followed by two thematic dialogues, namely "Accelerating the CJK Trilateral Free Trade Process under the RCEP Framework” and “Major Task for Achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals”. The “Youth Dialogue” was a notable addition to this year’s program which was co-organized by the TCS in partnership with CIRD, JEF and EAF. This new initiative aims to engage the younger generation in trilateral cooperation, focusing on two key fronts: “Emerging Technologies and the New Generation of Youth in CJK” and "Strengthening Cross-Cultural Exchange and Cooperation among the Youth of CJK”. The Youth Dialogue featured participants from diverse fields, including technology, academia, and local government exchange, fostering dynamic discussions on the role of youth in shaping the future of CJK relations.▲SG LEE delivering remarks▲Group Photo▲Youth Dialogue Session 1▲Youth Dialogue Session 2

On November 12 to 15, 2024, the 22nd Yellow Sea Rim Economic and Technology Exchange Conference was held in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. The conference was hosted by the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry in collaboration with Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) Deputy Secretary-General ZUSHI Shuji attended the Conference and delivered a presentation.This year’s conference was held under the theme “Formation of a Sustainable Yellow Sea Rim Economic Zone,” and focused on two key areas: “carbon neutrality” and “highly skilled foreign human resources”. During his presentation, DSG Zushi highlighted the history and significance of trilateral cooperation. He emphasized TCS’s efforts in promoting carbon neutrality and youth projects, aligning with the forum's theme.As part of the conference, DSG Zushi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) to foster collaborations on future youth-oriented initiatives. The MOU signing ceremony was conducted in the presence of the Director-Generals of the three ministries. In addition, the TCS delegation attended a session with APU representatives and Japanese delegates to discuss strategies for retaining highly skilled foreign talent in the Kyushu region.Approximately 300 participants including representatives from the governments of Japan, Korea, and China, as well as local governments and economic organizations took part in this year’s conference. The next Conference is scheduled to be held in Daejeon, Korea, in 2025.▲DSG Zushi's presentation on trilateral cooperation▲MOU signing ceremony between TCS and APU