East Asia Leaders Call for Stronger Economic Cooperation

On September 21, 2025, leaders from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea convened in Beijing for the 2025 International Forum on Regional Cooperation and Development. They emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration to drive economic growth, bolster resilience, and increase their collective influence amid global uncertainties exacerbated by rising trade protectionism. The forum served as a platform for discussion on urgent regional issues and opportunities.

Shared Challenges and Opportunities

During the forum, Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, highlighted that significant challenges—including climate change, rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, and demographic shifts—are reshaping industries across the region. He stated, “Exclusive competition leads to shared decline, while cooperation with a sense of common destiny opens the way to shared prosperity.” This perspective underscores the necessity of unity in addressing common challenges while maximizing emerging opportunities.

A report presented at the forum indicated that enhanced industrial cooperation among these East Asian nations could significantly strengthen regional resilience. The study noted that Japan’s advanced materials, the ROK’s semiconductor industry, and China’s manufacturing capabilities are highly complementary. Collectively, these three countries account for nearly a quarter of global GDP and one-fifth of international trade, accentuating their potential impact on the global economy.

The Path Forward: Economic Integration

While the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has reduced tariffs and improved connectivity, experts argued that establishing a trilateral free trade agreement would further lock in supply chains and enhance East Asia’s role in shaping global economic rules. Lee mentioned that if China, Japan, and the ROK combined their strengths, they could potentially set 45 percent of global AI standards and control one-third of clean energy technologies by 2030.

The call for cooperation resonated strongly with the Chinese delegation. Zhao Gang, vice-president of Beijing Foreign Studies University, noted that the three nations represent one of the most dynamic economic regions worldwide. He remarked, “As neighbors, their cooperation has the potential to reshape the global economic order,” emphasizing the power of collaboration in this interconnected landscape.

Despite the inherent challenges in collaborating on cutting-edge technologies, the need for joint efforts remains critical. Jun Youn Kim, chief representative of the Korea-China Science and Technology Cooperation Center, pointed out that “by working together, we can reduce the costs associated with exploring optimal combinations and share successful outcomes. Moreover, collaboration is crucial for surviving the uncertainties of technological innovation.” This statement reinforces the importance of shared knowledge and resources in navigating the complexities of modern science and technology.

Osamu Onodera, director of the Beijing Representative Office at the Japan External Trade Organization, framed the trilateral initiative within a broader Asia-Pacific vision. He advocated for an “open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful community,” highlighting the broader implications of regional cooperation.

The forum, jointly organized by Beijing Foreign Studies University and China Daily, brought together a diverse group of experts and opinion leaders from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Their discussions underscored both the urgency of cooperation and the challenges that lie ahead as these three nations navigate an increasingly turbulent global economy.