Japanese Government: "Korea-China-Japan Summit Meaningful as Leaders Gather Together"

Xi Jinping Summit Welcome Response
Japan: "Meaningful Discussion Among 3 Leaders... Support for Korea"

Chinese President Xi Jinping responded positively to South Korea's efforts to host the trilateral summit of South Korea, China, and Japan within this year, and upon hearing the news, the Japanese government also expressed support, stating that "it is meaningful for the three leaders to gather in one place and discuss."

According to NHK on the 25th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a morning press conference, "President Xi expressed his welcome for holding the South Korea-China-Japan summit at an appropriate time during his meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. What is the Japanese government's response?" and answered accordingly.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He stated, "I am aware of the reports," and added, "It is very meaningful for the three countries, which share great responsibility for regional peace and prosperity, to come together to discuss concrete cooperation measures and regional issues."

Kyodo News also reported that he expressed support for South Korea, the chair country. Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said, "We support South Korea's efforts, and Japan will properly review this at the trilateral secretariat level."

However, Matsuno added, "Nothing has been decided yet regarding the specific process and schedule, including the summit."

From today, the foreign ministries of South Korea, China, and Japan will hold a series of consultations in Seoul over two days to resume the trilateral summit. The last trilateral summit was held in December 2019.

On the 26th in Seoul, the South Korea-China-Japan Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) will take place, with South Korea represented by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeong Byeong-won. Japan's Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi and China's Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Ministry Nong Rong will also participate in the discussions.

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