U.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement about an investment from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 3, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/ File Photo
China, Japan, and South Korea Pledge Joint Response to U.S. Tariffs
Trilateral Economic Dialogue Resumes After Five Years
China, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to coordinate their response to U.S. tariffs, according to a statement from a social media account affiliated with China’s state broadcaster CCTV. The announcement follows the first trilateral economic dialogue between the three nations in five years, which took place on Sunday. The discussions focused on enhancing regional trade cooperation amid economic challenges posed by U.S. trade policies.
Commitment to Strengthening Supply Chains and Export Controls
During the meeting, the three countries agreed to reinforce collaboration on supply chain resilience and to engage in more frequent dialogue regarding export control measures. These efforts aim to mitigate disruptions caused by shifting trade policies and to promote stability within the region’s economic framework.
Pursuit of a Regional Free Trade Agreement
The trade ministers of China, Japan, and South Korea expressed their commitment to advancing discussions on a comprehensive and high-level free trade agreement (FTA) among the three nations. According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, such an agreement would facilitate greater economic integration and contribute to both regional and global trade growth.
U.S. Tariff Policies and Regional Economic Strategies
The dialogue occurred ahead of an anticipated announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding additional tariffs, scheduled for Wednesday. President Trump has referred to this event as “Liberation Day,” signaling a shift in Washington’s trade strategies. Given their status as major trading partners of the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea have sought to coordinate their responses to these policy changes in order to minimize economic disruptions.
Historical Tensions and Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
Despite their agreement on trade matters, the three countries continue to face diplomatic challenges, including territorial disputes and tensions related to Japan’s release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Nevertheless, the resumption of economic dialogue signals a willingness to engage in cooperative efforts to navigate shared economic concerns.
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