"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Joint Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of Trilateral Cooperation among the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea

[Place] Beijing
[Date] October 10, 2009
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

On the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation, we, the heads of Government/State of the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea met in Beijing, China on 10 October 2009. We reviewed the course of trilateral cooperation in the past and drew up plans for its future development.

We reached the common understanding that since the launch of the trilateral cooperation in 1999, the common interests of the three countries have continuously grown, the mechanisms for dialogue have been further broadened and the cooperation in a whole range of fields has been promoted, yielding highly fruitful results. The three countries have enhanced political mutual trust through the forging of a future-oriented comprehensive cooperative partnership. With the rapid increase in trilateral economic cooperation as well as trade and investment, the three countries have emerged as important trading partners to one another. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were dynamic and close. which greatly enhanced the mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples. The three countries remained committed to the development of an East Asia community based on the principles of openness, transparency, inclusiveness as along term goal, and to regional cooperation, while maintaining increased trilateral communication and coordination on regional and international affairs.

We expressed the common recognition that the achievements over the past decade proved that to reinforce cooperation among China, Japan and the ROK serves the fundamental interests of the three countries and peoples, and moreover, contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity. In this context, the three countries also recognized the significance of the "Joint Statement for Tripartite Partnership" issued at the first trilateral Summit in Fukuoka, Japan.

We believe that as the world undergoes major changes and adjustments, China-Japan-ROK cooperation will have many opportunities for development in the coming decade. We will view and approach the trilateral cooperative relationship from a strategic point of view, and will constantly aim to bring our cooperation to higher levels.

We believe that mutual respect, equality, common interests, openness, transparency and respect for our diverse cultures constitute the foundation and guarantee for trilateral cooperation, and these principles should be followed in future trilateral cooperation. In the spirit of facing history squarely and advancing towards the future, the three countries will explore the potential and expand the areas of cooperation. We will push the trilateral relations forward in the direction of good-neighborliness, mutual trust, comprehensive cooperation, mutual benefit and common development. We are convinced that this will contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Wth this in mind, we have agreed to:

1. Build up mutual trust in the political field. We will step up high-level contacts and strategic dialogues, strengthen mutual understanding, expand common ground and build solid strategic mutual trust. We will regard one another as partners of win-win cooperation. We will support one another's peaceful development and regard it as an opportunity. We will respect one another's major concerns and core interests. We will properly address sensitive issues and seek settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation. We will strengthen security dialogue and facilitate exchange and cooperation among the defense or military personnel of the three countries.

2. Deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. We will make full use of the high complementarities and great potential of the three economies and bring to higher levels our cooperation in key areas such as business, trade, finance, investment, logistics, intellectual property, customs, information, science and technology, energy conservation, environmental protection and circular economy. We will step up our efforts to develop green economy, improve the quality of economic development, oppose trade protectionism in all forms, uphold a fair, free and open global trading and investment system. We are determined to seek an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Doha Development Round in 2010, consistent with its mandate, based on the progress already made, including with regard to modalities. By making full use of existing fora, including ASEAN+3, EAS, APEC and G20, we will continuously inject fresh vitality into the recovery and stable development of the economy of Asia and the world.

3. Expand people-to-people exchanges. We will continue to conduct exchanges among all sectors of the three countries, particularly friendly youth exchanges and exchanges among universities. We will consider establishing a long-term mechanism for youth and media exchanges, encourage academic institutions and local authorities, and promote closer trilateral cooperation in areas such as disaster management, healthcare, tourism, human resources, education and sports. We will carry forward the spirit of peace and friendship and promote affinity among our three peoples while respecting each culture so as to enhance popular support for the stable, healthy and friendly development of the trilateral relations.

4. Promote peace, stability and prosperity of Asia. We will further strengthen cooperation so as to promote development of regional and sub-regional cooperation of various mechanisms such as ASEAN integration and community-building, ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and APEC. We will remain committed to dialogue and consultation and continue to work through peaceful means to pursue the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula We will make joint efforts with other parties for an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks, so as to safeguard peace and stability in Northeast Asia, and thereby to build an Asia of peace, harmony, openness and prosperity.

5. Actively respond to global issues, We will strengthen communication and consultation on regional and international affairs such as climate change, financial risks, energy security, public health, natural disasters, terrorism, arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and UN reform. We will actively participate in reforms in the international political, economic and financial fields and join the rest of the international community to work unremittingly for global peace, development and prosperity.

Looking ahead to the next decade, we are full of confidence and hope for the consolidation of the tripartite partnership and comprehensive cooperation. We firmly believe that in keeping with the calling of the times and with the development of our three countries, cooperation among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea will embrace an even brighter future, benefiting not only the three countries but also indeed the world.