Chinese, Japanese, S. Korean PMs pledge to boost free trade talks

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol pledged to expedite the second phase of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between their two countries during their meeting in South Korea, Xinhua reported.

Notably, Chinese, Japanese and South Korean premiers are in Seoul for a rare trilateral summit, the first in five years, signalling a desire for increased regional co-operation. The summit aims to mend frayed ties and enhance cooperation between the three countries. DW reported that the meetings will focus on improving co-operation rather than geopolitical challenges.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, in power since 2020, seeks reconciliation with Japan amid North Korean nuclear threats. The talks are expected to avoid North-South tensions, focusing instead on economic co-operation, excluding sensitive issues like Taiwan and South China Sea disputes. The agenda emphasises people-to-people exchanges, climate change, trade, health, technology, and disaster responses, with a joint statement anticipated on these areas.