South Korea, China, and Japan held their first economic dialogue in five years on Sunday, aiming to strengthen regional trade cooperation amid growing concerns over U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump.
The three Asian export powers agreed to “closely cooperate for comprehensive and high-level” negotiations toward a South Korea-Japan-China free trade agreement. The goal is to promote regional and global trade, according to a statement released after the meeting.
South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun emphasized the importance of enhancing the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which all three countries participate in. He also called for creating a framework to expand trade cooperation through trilateral FTA negotiations.
The meeting comes ahead of Trump’s upcoming announcement of further tariffs, which he refers to as “liberation day.” These measures are expected to impact Washington’s trading partners, including Seoul, Beijing, and Tokyo.
Despite their common interest in boosting trade, the three countries have faced tensions over various issues, including territorial disputes and Japan’s release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
The countries have made little progress on a trilateral free-trade deal since talks began in 2012. RCEP, which went into effect in 2022, aims to lower trade barriers among 15 Asia-Pacific nations.
Trump’s recent decision to impose 25% import tariffs on cars and auto parts has raised concerns, particularly for Asian automakers who are among the largest vehicle exporters to the U.S. After Mexico, South Korea is the world’s largest exporter of vehicles to the United States, followed by Japan.
The ministers agreed to hold their next meeting in Japan, as discussions continue on how to navigate shifting trade dynamics and strengthen regional economic cooperation.
Belgium and Vietnam have signed agreements to collaborate on green hydrogen production during King Philippe’s historic visit to Hanoi.
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company, has secured a $130 million contract to supply advanced rocket munitions to an undisclosed European country.
Uzbekistan’s total external debt has risen to $64.1 billion, reflecting a sharp increase in both state and corporate borrowing, according to a report by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.
US President Donald Trump announced that his first overseas trip in his second term will likely include stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, highlighting economic ties and potential investments.
Belgium and Vietnam have signed agreements to collaborate on green hydrogen production during King Philippe’s historic visit to Hanoi.
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company, has secured a $130 million contract to supply advanced rocket munitions to an undisclosed European country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels, Belgium from April 2-4. In Brussels, he will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting to discuss security priorities for the Alliance, including increased Allied defense investment and securing lasting peace in Ukraine.
Uzbekistan’s total external debt has risen to $64.1 billion, reflecting a sharp increase in both state and corporate borrowing, according to a report by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels, Belgium from April 2-4. In Brussels, he will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting to discuss security priorities for the Alliance, including increased Allied defense investment and securing lasting peace in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump announced that his first overseas trip in his second term will likely include stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, highlighting economic ties and potential investments.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
A fire at a Petronas gas pipeline near Kuala Lumpur has injured at least 112 people and affected 49 homes, authorities confirmed.
Belgium and Vietnam have signed agreements to collaborate on green hydrogen production during King Philippe’s historic visit to Hanoi.
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company, has secured a $130 million contract to supply advanced rocket munitions to an undisclosed European country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels, Belgium from April 2-4. In Brussels, he will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting to discuss security priorities for the Alliance, including increased Allied defense investment and securing lasting peace in Ukraine.
Uzbekistan’s total external debt has risen to $64.1 billion, reflecting a sharp increase in both state and corporate borrowing, according to a report by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.
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