Synopsis
The top diplomats of South Korea and China are set to engage in discussions during their trilateral meeting with the Japanese foreign minister in Tokyo. This significant meeting is the first in 16 months, with various diplomatic issues on the agenda.Key Takeaways
- Trilateral meeting in Tokyo scheduled for March 22.
- First meeting in 16 months between the foreign ministers.
- Potential discussions on Taiwan's international participation.
- Concerns over tariff increases by the U.S.
- Possible visit of Xi Jinping to South Korea.
Seoul, March 2 (NationPress) The leading diplomats from South Korea and China are anticipated to engage in discussions later this month during their trilateral meeting alongside the Japanese foreign minister, as reported by sources on Sunday.
The three neighboring nations are finalizing arrangements for their foreign ministers to convene on March 22 in Tokyo, marking the first gathering of its kind in 16 months, according to diplomatic sources cited by Yonhap news agency.
During the trilateral dialogue, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is expected to have a separate meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
Seoul and Beijing have been in discussions about Wang's potential visit to South Korea coinciding with his Tokyo trip, though it remains uncertain if he will actually visit.
If no substantial progress occurs, it is likely that Cho and Wang will hold discussions in the Japanese capital.
This meeting, if it materializes, would be the first since their encounter last September during the U.N. General Assembly.
A variety of diplomatic topics could be addressed during this meeting.
Following the joint statement from Cho and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts expressing unified support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in relevant international organizations last month, China voiced its discontent, labeling it an infringement on its sovereignty.
The agenda may also cover tariff hikes implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the rising anti-Chinese sentiment among South Korea's conservative factions, and the potential visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Korea's historical city of Gyeongju for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November, as mentioned in the report.
