China-Japan-ROK ties stabilize and fuel world economy: Chinese premier

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang highlighted China's close cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), saying that the trilateral ties help fuel and stabilize the regional and global economies, on Thursday.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and ROK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in Beijing on August 22, 2019. [Photo: gov.cn]

He made the remarks while meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and ROK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in Beijing on Thursday, a day after the ninth meeting of foreign ministers of China, Japan and the ROK chaired by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Li congratulated on the success of the trilateral meeting. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the trilateral cooperation, he hoped the three countries can take this opportunity to push forward the cooperation to a higher level.

Enhanced cooperation among the three countries, according to Li, not only serves their national interests but also facilitates the development and stability of the regional and global economies.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Beijing on August 22, 2019. [Photo: gov.cn]

Li called on the three sides to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, build an open world economy cantered by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and strive to achieve a comprehensive and high-level China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Area Agreement.

He also pledged to enhance cooperation in the fields of science and technology and encourage people-to-people exchanges so as to promote regional cooperation.

Regarding the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Li vowed to seek a political settlement on the issue, adding that the three countries should work jointly to contribute to the denuclearization and lasting peace in the region.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with visiting ROK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in Beijing on August 22, 2019. [Photo: gov.cn]

The two ministers echoed Li's remarks, expressing their willingness to enhance trilateral cooperation, adding that they look forward to the upcoming meeting among the three countries' leaders that is expected to be held in China this year.