In an era of increasing global uncertainty, Japan, China and South Korea should enhance their cooperation to contribute to stability in Asia.

The foreign ministers of the three nations recently convened in Tokyo, reaffirming their commitment to "future-oriented" collaboration. They also agreed on the importance of holding a trilateral summit at an early date. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who chaired the meeting, emphasized, "It is extremely important for the three countries to promote exchange and cooperation to guide the international community from division to harmony."

The shared challenge of addressing the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policies, including high tariffs, has fueled efforts to bring Japan, China and South Korea closer together.

China, the primary target of the ongoing trade war, is grappling with a domestic real estate downturn and is seeking to stabilize its relationships with neighboring Japan and South Korea. By taking a strong stance against protectionism, China also appears to be attempting to unsettle the U.S.-led alliance system.

Japan, too, is eager to improve its relationship with China, its largest trading partner. However, it remains cautious, carefully observing the actions of the China-hardliner Trump administration and exploring ways to navigate this delicate balance.

The differing positions of the three nations became evident when discussing the situation in North Korea. While the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers expressed concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi showed a degree of understanding toward Pyongyang's circumstances.

The military cooperation between Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine, and North Korea is also seen as a concern for China. Japan and South Korea must persistently urge the world's second-largest economy to exert its influence in addressing these issues.

In addition to the trilateral meeting, a bilateral meeting between the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers and the first high-level economic dialogue in six years were also held. The two sides confirmed their intent to cooperate on shared challenges such as aging populations and declining birth rates.

However, numerous issues remain unresolved. China raised concerns over Taiwan and historical disputes, while Japan conveyed its apprehensions regarding the detention of Japanese nationals and the situation in the East China and South China seas. As a major power, China must act responsibly.

Precisely because there are points of contention, dialogue must continue. Unlike the Japan-U.S.-South Korea framework, which focuses on security cooperation, the Japan-China-South Korea framework is designed for economic dialogue and practical collaboration. Amid instability in international affairs, the importance of this framework's role is growing.

This trilateral relationship should also serve as a platform for building trust to reduce tensions in Asia. A diplomatic strategy that ensures the functionality of the Japan-China-South Korea structure is essential.