Yoon "Wants Close Communication to Resume the Korea-Japan-China Trilateral Mechanism"

President Yoon Emphasizes Chairmanship Role of Korea and Coordinating Role Among Korea, Japan, and China at Trilateral Summit

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the second day of his visit to Indonesia, June 6 (local time), "We intend to closely communicate with the Japanese and Chinese governments to resume trilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the Korea-Japan-China summit, as soon as possible." Korea-Japan-China refers to South Korea, Japan, and China, a term used by the presidential office instead of the former "Korea-China-Japan" as relations between Korea and Japan improve.

In his opening remarks at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) +3 (Korea, China, Japan) summit held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Indonesia, President Yoon said, "Just as the recent improvement in Korea-Japan relations has opened a new chapter for trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan, revitalizing trilateral cooperation among Korea, Japan, and China will serve as a stepping stone for a new leap forward in ASEAN+3 cooperation."

President Yoon emphasized, "We are currently facing a complex crisis created by intertwined geopolitical competition and the climate crisis," adding, "To overcome this and contribute to ASEAN's development, which aims to be at the center of growth, a new resolution is necessary."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He particularly stressed, "The trilateral cooperation among Korea, Japan, and China, which forms the foundation of ASEAN+3 development, must be revitalized," and promised, "The Republic of Korea, as the chair country of the 9th Korea-Japan-China summit and the coordinating country representing the three nations in ASEAN+3, will actively fulfill the necessary roles."

He further projected, "If ASEAN+3 unites its efforts, it will contribute to the freedom, peace, and prosperity not only of ASEAN but also of the Indo-Pacific region and the entire world."

Following the Korea-ASEAN summit, President Yoon also actively called for sanctions against North Korea’s nuclear and missile development at the ASEAN+3 summit. He urged, "The international community must unite to clearly show that it will not tolerate North Korea’s nuclear and missile development," and requested, "I ask for your attention and cooperation in joint efforts to block the dispatch of overseas workers and illegal cyber activities that serve as funding sources for North Korea’s nuclear and missile development."

Earlier, at the Korea-ASEAN summit, President Yoon targeted Russia, stating, "North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats pose a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region and are a direct challenge to the international non-proliferation regime," and urged, "Attempts at military cooperation with North Korea, which undermines international peace, must be immediately halted."

This is interpreted as a warning message aimed at Russia amid speculation that Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon meet to engage in military cooperation such as arms deals.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.