China, South Korea, and Japan Strengthen Trade Ties Amid US Tariffs

SEOUL – China, South Korea, and Japan have agreed to bolster their free trade efforts in response to new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The agreement was made at a high-level trade meeting on Sunday, marking the first of its kind in five years, just days before US tariffs on a wide range of imports, including cars, trucks, and auto parts, are set to take effect.

The meeting was attended by South Korea’s Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, Japan’s Trade Minister Yoji Muto, and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. During the discussions, the three countries emphasized the importance of accelerating negotiations on a trilateral free trade agreement and creating a stable trade and investment environment.

Ahn stressed the need for a joint response to global economic challenges, highlighting the growing fragmentation of the global economy. Japanese official Yasuji Komiyama noted the increasing uncertainties in the international economic landscape, while Chinese representative Wang Liping warned of the spread of unilateralism and protectionism, urging the three nations to safeguard the multilateral trading system.

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The three countries represent 20% of the world’s population, 24% of the global economy, and 19% of global merchandise trade. As President Trump prepares to impose tariffs from April 2, markets showed some relief after his remarks indicating potential “flexibility” in trade negotiations.