TCS

On May 30, 2025, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) celebrated its annual TCS Day at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. H.E. JUNG Kihong, Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy of ROK MOFA, H.E. MIZUSHIMA Koichi, Japanese Ambassador to the ROK, and H.E. DAI Bing, Chinese Ambassador to the ROK, attended the event and delivered congratulatory remarks at the opening session. About 3,000 visitors joined the festivities, reflecting growing public interest in trilateral cooperation. In his opening remarks, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup highlighted that TCS Day serves as a meaningful platform to engage the public in the values of trilateral cooperation and to reaffirm a shared vision for the future, stating, “Our friendship will light the way toward a brighter future together.” The Year of Cultural Exchange 2025–2026, designated at the 9th Trilateral Summit among China, Japan, and the ROK, was spotlighted during the event. To mark this occasion, TCS Day featured vibrant cultural performances, including a calligraphy demonstration of the CJK Spirit Word of the Year 未来 (Future), as well as a collaborative music performance by artists from the three countries, symbolizing shared cultures. In addition, TCS Day included an interactive exhibition with three youth-led project creator booths curated by teams from the three countries. The booths highlighted traditional culture and trilateral connections through hands-on activities such as decorative knot keyring crafting, name stamp workshop, and poetic crafts with tea, allowing visitors to experience cross-cultural exchange firsthand. In partnership with Anseong City, the Japan National Tourism Organization, and the China National Tourist Office in Seoul, TCS Day 2025 also promoted tourism within the three countries. The tourism booths provided travel information, cultural displays, and interactive experiences to encourage mutual visits and people-to-people ties. The Memorandum on the Establishment of the TCS was signed by the governments of China, Japan, and the ROK on May 30, 2010, in Jeju. Since then, May 30 has been commemorated each year as TCS Day — a celebration of cooperation and friendship among the three countries.▲Group Photo▲TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup delivering opening remarks▲JUNG Kihong, Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy of ROK MOFA delivering congratulatory remarks▲MIZUSHIMA Koichi, Japanese Ambassador to the ROK delivering congratulatory remarks▲DAI Bing, Chinese Ambassador to the ROK delivering congratulatory remarks▲Calligraphy Performance with Ambassadors▲Booth Cultural Experience▲Calligraphy 'Future (미래, 未来)' Performance▲Performance by Chinese artist▲Performance by Japanese artists▲Performance by Korean artists

On May 28, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) hosted a session at the 20th Jeju Forum titled “Balancing Competition and Cooperation: The Role of Non-Governmental Actors in Advancing Trilateral Cooperation.” The session brought together experts and young scholars from China, Japan, and Korea to explore how actors beyond the government—such as academia, civil society, media, and local institutions—can contribute to a more resilient and inclusive trilateral framework.In his opening remarks, SG LEE emphasized that despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the deep interdependence among China, Japan, and Korea offers a solid foundation for peace and prosperity, and underscored the importance of engaging youth and non-governmental actors in shaping the future of trilateral cooperation.The session featured three keynote speakers offering complementary perspectives. Professor KIM Heungkyu emphasizes that, amid growing U.S.-China rivalry and regional instability, China, Japan, and Korea must strengthen their own capacities while pursuing pragmatic cooperation grounded in their economic interdependence and geographic proximity. Professor MENJU Toshihiro highlighted the power of grassroots and digital exchanges in sustaining mutual understanding, sharing Japanese case studies of multicultural community initiatives. Prof. NIU Huayong argues that despite strong economic ties and shared cultural traditions, growing competition, cyber nationalism, and divergent security interests hinder trilateral cooperation, highlighting the vital role of non-governmental actors and calling for increased support from the three governments and TCS for youth exchanges and joint initiatives.The session concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A, featuring three young scholars from the Young Scholars Forum (YSF) held the previous day. They emphasized the value of informal networks, youth engagement, and bottom-up approaches as vital tools for fostering long-term cooperation and trust-building among the three countries.▲SG LEE delivering Opening Remarks▲Session▲Group Photo

On May 27, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) successfully hosted the Trilateral Young Scholars Forum (YSF) in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Held under the theme “Beyond Diplomacy: Strengthening Trilateral Cooperation Through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement,” the Forum brought together 12 young scholars from China, Japan, and Korea to present their research and exchange ideas on the future of trilateral cooperation.TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the critical role of intellectual exchange among the younger generation in advancing trilateral relations. He encouraged participants to contribute their perspectives to deepen cooperation and help promote regional stability and prosperity.This year’s program was structured around three sessions, each moderated by Professor KIM Heungkyu of Ajou University, Visiting Professor MENJU Toshihiro from Kansai University of International Studies, and Professor NIU Huayong from Beijing Foreign Studies University. The first explored how trilateral cooperation could expand its impact beyond the region by contributing to global governance, sustainable development, and multilateral diplomacy. The second session addressed domestic challenges common to the three countries, such as demographic change and educational reform. The final session examined the growing role of bottom-up engagement—youth initiatives, civil society efforts, and local government partnerships—in building a more inclusive and resilient trilateral framework. On the following day, May 28, the participants joined the TCS-hosted public session at the Jeju Forum titled “Balancing Competition and Cooperation: The Role of Non-Governmental Actors in Advancing Trilateral Cooperation.” Several scholars took part as discussants, continuing the dialogue on the evolving role of non-governmental actors in regional cooperation.▲Group Photo▲YSF Session

Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup attended the 2025 RCEP Media and Think Tank For um in Haikou On May 25, the 2025 RCEP Regional Development Media and Think Tank Forum was held in Haikou, China, under the theme “ Jointly Building a High-Level and Largest Free Trade Area.” The forum was co-hosted by the China (Hainan) Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD), China Daily, and the China Oceanic Development Foundation. Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) LEE Hee-sup, was invited to attend and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony.In his speech, SG LEE emphasized the urgent need for deeper regional cooperation amid rising global fragmentation and protectionism, noting that trilateral cooperation is like an orchestra, where each stakeholder plays a vital role. He reaffirmed RCEP’s role as a stabilizing force and called for its upgrade through expanded membership, greater openness, and exploring convergence with frameworks like CPTPP. Citing progress at the 9th Trilateral Summit and the revived Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting, he expressed hope for advancing CJK FTA negotiations. He also highlighted the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Korea and China as key opportunities.During the interview with Sansha Satellite TV, SG LEE shared his perspectives on RCEP implementation, regional economic integration, and the strategic role of Hainan in advancing free trade cooperation across East Asia.The forum also featured insights from Mr. CHI Fulin, President of the CIRD, who stressed the strategic role of Hainan in connecting China with ASEAN markets. Other speakers, including Mr. WU Shicun of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Mr. Samir Hamrouni of the World Free Zones Organization, emphasized the importance of policy execution, institutional innovation, and international best practices to strengthen Hainan’s position within RCEP.Since its inception in 2021, the RCEP Media and Think Tank Forum has become a key platform for dialogue and cooperation across the region, helping to shape policy consensus and promote high-level regional integration. This year’s forum brought together nearly 400 participants from governments, academia, industry, think tanks, and media across RCEP member states. ▲SG LEE delivering remarks▲Group Photo▲SG LEE Sharing moment with Participant