Prime Minister Kishida to Attend Japan-China-Korea Summit After 4.5 Years, Expected to Discuss Key Issues with China

The Japanese government announced that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit South Korea from the 26th for a two-day schedule to attend the Japan-China-South Korea trilateral summit, which is being held for the first time in four and a half years.

The Japanese government anticipates a summit meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the afternoon of the 26th, prior to the summit. The two countries are expected to reaffirm their commitment to pursuing a 'strategic mutually beneficial relationship' to promote mutual interests. However, the Japanese government is also expected to reiterate its stance on key issues such as China's immediate lifting of its import ban on Japanese seafood following the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and China's military activities in the Taiwan Strait.

Meanwhile, on the 27th, the three leaders, including President Yoon Suk-yeol, will gather to exchange views on major regional and international issues, including the North Korean nuclear and missile issue and the situation in Ukraine. In particular, 'expanding people-to-people exchanges' is expected to be a key agenda item at this summit, and discussions are likely to focus on concrete plans, such as promoting exchanges between students and researchers and encouraging reciprocal tourist visits.

A government official stated, "This summit, held for the first time in four and a half years, will allow us to explore future cooperation directions based on past achievements." They added, "We expect this summit to contribute not only to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia but also to the establishment of a cooperative system for addressing global issues."