TCS

TCS Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang delivered a lecture to 27 students from Yonsei University, including international students from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The visit was part of a special session of the university course Understanding East Asia.During the lecture, DSG YAN provided an in-depth introduction to the background, structure, and key functions of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. He also shared insights into the significance of institutionalized trilateral cooperation among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. In addition to the main lecture, a TCS Program Officer introduced TCS's youth exchange initiatives, including the Trilateral Youth Summit, and encouraged students to engage with ongoing programs that promote mutual understanding and friendship among the younger generation of the three countries.The visit served as a meaningful opportunity for the students to learn about regional cooperation mechanisms and explore future pathways for youth participation in East Asian diplomacy.▲Group Photo▲DSG YAN delivering a lecture

On April 29, 2025, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup paid a courtesy visit to Mr. KIM Jin-pyo, Chairman of Global Innovation Studies and former Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. Chairman KIM welcomed the resumption of high-level dialogue among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, including the successful convening of the 9th Trilateral Summit. Both SG LEE and Chairman KIM recognized that the current geopolitical climate presents a critical opportunity to strengthen trilateral cooperation. They exchanged views on the future direction of collaboration, underscoring the importance of a practical and action-oriented approach. Key areas of focus included the institutionalization of the Trilateral Summit, the expansion of youth exchanges, and the enhancement of people-to-people ties, particularly among local governments and through cultural initiatives. Chairman KIM acknowledged TCS’s continued efforts to advance trilateral cooperation and expressed his intention to actively support its future activities.▲Chairman KIM Jin-pyo and SG LEE Hee-sup

Anseong City successfully hosted the opening ceremony of the "2025 Culture City of East Asia – Anseong" on April 25 at Anseong Matchum Hall. The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), as a key stakeholder in promoting trilateral cultural exchange, was invited to attend the ceremony.The event featured vibrant performances, including Korea’s traditional Namsadang Baudeogi pungmulnori, China’s dragon dance, and Japan’s Nogaku theatrical performance, each showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the respective countries.Since 2014, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have annually designated one city in each country as a "Culture City of East Asia" (CCEA), following the agreement reached at the 4th Trilateral Culture Ministers' Meeting (TCMM) in 2012. For 2025, Anseong was selected alongside Huzhou and Macao in China and Kamakura in Japan.Throughout the year, Anseong will host a variety of cultural events, including a traditional performing arts festival featuring artists from the three countries, a trilateral food competition, joint concerts, and a youth exchange program. One of the key upcoming events is the East Asia Handmade Festival, set to take place at Anseong Matchum Land in May.▲Group Photo of 2025 CCEA City Representatives▲Performance

On April 24, 2025, Secretary-General of the TCS LEE Hee-sup met with Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office of Jilin Province XIU Lizheng. LEE Hee-sup highlighted Jilin Province’s strategic importance in Northeast Asia, noting its active role as a hub for regional exchange and cooperation, and praised its contributions to advancing trilateral collaboration among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. XIU Lizheng emphasized Jilin Province’s close ties with Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as its efforts—through platforms such as the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR)—to promote peace and prosperity in the region.