Cho Hyun: "South Korea, China, and Japan Should Choose Dialogue Over Confrontation, Connection Over Disconnection"

Emphasizing the Restoration of Cooperation in Seoul-Tokyo Forum Keynote Speech
Calling for Dialogue and Communication Amid China-Japan Tensions Over Taiwan

Yonhap News Agency

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun emphasized the need to restore dialogue and seek cooperation among South Korea, China, and Japan, despite ongoing conflicts and issues among the three countries.

In a keynote speech at a special session of the Seoul-Tokyo Forum held at the Westin Josun Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul on January 17, Minister Cho stated, "The three countries have clear differences, but we should pursue dialogue over confrontation, and connection over disconnection."

Minister Cho also stressed the geographical and strategic inseparability of the three nations, saying, "Just as South Korea and Japan are neighbors who cannot move away, the same applies to China." His remarks were made amid heightened tensions between China and Japan following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion of possible intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency, and are seen as a renewed call for the restoration of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, China, and Japan.

Minister Cho further assessed that postwar Japan chose a different path by adopting a pacifist constitution and transformed into a nation advocating freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in the international community. He explained that these changes provided the background for Japan's political circles and civil society to stand in solidarity with South Korea during its democratization process.

He also mentioned South Korea's experience last year in overcoming martial law, stating, "Although the two countries have undergone different experiences, they have both acquired the ability to correct their societies in times of crisis-in other words, they have developed a democratic DNA."

Minister Cho added, "Japan's postwar decision to renounce war and South Korea's choice last year to revive democracy can influence each other, creating a stronger and more mature relationship."