What's happened
On March 22, 2025, Japan, China, and South Korea's foreign ministers met in Tokyo for trilateral talks, the first since 2023. They discussed cooperation in light of rising regional tensions, focusing on North Korea's nuclear threat, economic integration, and plans for a summit later this year. Japan's missile deployment plans were also a key topic.
What's behind the headline?
Geopolitical Shifts
The recent trilateral talks highlight a significant shift in East Asian geopolitics, driven by the uncertainties of U.S. foreign policy under Trump.
- Rising Tensions: The foreign ministers acknowledged the 'severe' international situation, emphasizing the need for cooperation to overcome divisions.
- Economic Integration: With a combined economic output exceeding $24 trillion, the three nations recognize their potential influence in stabilizing the region.
- Military Developments: Japan's missile deployment plans signal a proactive defense strategy, potentially altering the balance of power in the region.
Future Implications
The outcomes of these discussions could lead to:
- Enhanced trilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and security matters.
- A potential pivot of Japan and South Korea towards China, should U.S. reliability continue to wane.
- Increased military readiness in Japan, which may provoke further tensions with China and North Korea.
In summary, the meeting reflects a critical juncture in regional relations, with the potential for both collaboration and conflict.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reported that the trilateral meeting was a response to the 'increasingly severe' international situation, with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya emphasizing the importance of dialogue. Al Jazeera noted that the meeting aimed to build confidence among the three nations, despite historical disputes. The Independent highlighted the significance of the talks in the context of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and Russia's actions in Ukraine. Overall, the sources illustrate a consensus on the need for cooperation amid rising tensions, while also acknowledging the complexities of historical grievances and current geopolitical challenges.
How we got here
The trilateral meeting follows a period of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly due to U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, which have strained traditional alliances. Japan's plans to deploy long-range missiles on Kyushu are seen as a response to perceived threats from North Korea and China, complicating regional dynamics.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Japan's missile deployment?
- How does this meeting affect U.S.-China relations?
- What historical disputes exist between these countries?
Common question
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Why is Japan Deploying Long-Range Missiles Now?
Japan's decision to deploy long-range missiles by March 2026 marks a significant shift in its military strategy amid rising regional tensions. This move raises questions about Japan's defense posture, its relations with neighboring countries, and the implications for regional security. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this development.
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What were the main topics discussed in the trilateral talks between Japan, China, and South Korea?
On March 22, 2025, Japan, China, and South Korea's foreign ministers convened in Tokyo to address pressing regional issues. This meeting marked the first trilateral discussion since 2023, focusing on economic integration, North Korea's nuclear threat, and future cooperation. As tensions rise in East Asia, understanding the outcomes of these talks is crucial for regional stability and international relations.
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More on these topics
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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Wang Yi is a Chinese diplomat and politician who has been serving as Director of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Foreign Affairs Commission Office since January 2023, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs of China since July 2023.
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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Takeshi Iwaya is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet. He served as the Minister of Defense from 2 October 2018 to 11 September 2019.
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Cho Tae-yul (Korean: 조태열; born 10 November 1955) is a South Korean diplomat. He is the 41st Foreign Minister.
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.
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Shigeru Ishiba is a Japanese politician. Ishiba is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and of Heisei-Kenkyukai until 2011.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
