South Korea, China, and Japan hold first economic dialogue in five years

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.

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