Wang Yi: New opportunities in China, Japan, ROK cooperation

There are new opportunities in trilateral cooperation between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Friday.

The remarks were made at the opening ceremony of an international forum for trilateral cooperation (IFTC) between China, Japan and the ROK held in Beijing on Friday. According to the foreign ministry, 21 ministerial-level meetings have been held and over 70 cooperative programs have been implemented, since the forum began.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the opening ceremony of an international forum for trilateral cooperation (IFTC) between China, Japan and the ROK held in Beijing, China, May 10, 2019. [Photo: MOFA]

In his speech, Wang hailed steady progress in various fields. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of trilateral cooperation, he expressed the hope that cooperation will continue in an open and inclusive manner in order to benefit the well-being of the three peoples.

The minister also urged the three parties to continue to enhance political mutual trust, abandon Cold War thinking and stay committed to the UN-centered international system and the rule-based multilateral free trade system.

Last year, the three countries carried out a new cooperation mode called, "China-Japan-ROK+X' cooperation" as an attempt to foster regional integrated development, Wang welcomed the fruitful outcomes and expected the cooperation to eventually contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

As the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation ended in late April with a total of 283 items of practical outcomes, China is willing to enhance Belt and Road cooperation under the principle of seeking shared benefits through consultation and collaboration and turn the cooperation into a new growth point, said Wang.

He highlighted the importance of innovation in his remarks, urging the three countries to take the lead in the development of innovative and high-tech industries. He also vowed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry also made similar responses regarding the IFTC held in Beijing at a regular press conference on Friday.