Japan: "An Opportunity to Revitalize the Korea-China-Japan Process... Efforts for Cooperation"

Government Spokesperson Press Conference

The Japanese government evaluated on the 27th that the trilateral summit held in Seoul was an important opportunity to revitalize the Korea-China-Japan process.

Hayashi Yoshimasa, Chief Cabinet Secretary and government spokesperson, said at a press conference in the afternoon, "This summit reaffirmed the three countries' determination to promote cooperation in a wide range of fields and became an important opportunity to firmly revitalize the Korea-China-Japan process." This was a response regarding the position of the Japanese government, which will serve as the next chair country next year.

He added, "At the next summit to be held in Japan, we intend to strive to develop the cooperation among the three countries in a way that responds to the challenges."

Regarding the fact that the Korean and Japanese leaders urged North Korea to denuclearize at the joint press conference held immediately after the summit, but the Chinese side refrained from mentioning it, he said, "Since the details are diplomatic talks, I will refrain from elaborating, but we will closely cooperate with the concerned countries in responding to North Korea."

However, he stated, "The three leaders exchanged frank opinions on regional peace and stability, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the North Korean situation including the abduction issue," and "Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are common interests of the three countries, and they agreed to continue positive efforts for a political solution to the Korean Peninsula issue."