TCS

On April 11, 2025, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) hosted the Trilateral Innovation Dialogue and ICT Industry Matchmaking Event in Suzhou, China, jointly with the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). The Dialogue was held in conjunction with the 7th China-Japan-Korea ICT Minister’s Meeting held for the first time in seven years since 2018. Under the theme of “Harnessing ICT Innovation Cooperation for an Inclusive, Sustainable, and Greener Future”, the Dialogue consisted of two sessions: the Expert Session aligned with the topic of the Dialogue, and the Business Session on the two topics of I. Opportunities and Challenges of Emerging Digital Technologies and II. Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Green Development. Nine speakers from research institutes, academia, and industries of the three countries spoke as presenters. During his opening remarks, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup mentioned that today’s world is rapidly advancing towards a historic civilizational shift triggered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). As competition in cutting-edge industries accelerates, the economy and security are becoming increasingly intertwined, narrowing the space for international cooperation in science, technology, and ICT. Nevertheless, we must distinguish between areas in which we pursue technological superiority through competition, and areas in which we cooperate on a common ground to pursue sustainable development and shared growth, in responding to shared global crises such as climate change, disasters, disease, and poverty. SG LEE advocated for promoting people-to-people exchange in ICT, while fostering cooperation in next-generation technologies and standards. Mr. ZHANG Yunming, Vice Minister of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China, stated that China, Japan and Korea, as key players in the global ICT industry, are not only sources of technological innovation but also critical hubs for industrial chain connectivity. He emphasized that deepening technological interconnectivity, resource sharing, and market integration among the three countries is both a necessary response to industrial transformation and a driver of significant business opportunities. Stressing that dialogue and cooperation are the right paths for future development, he proposed three key directions for trilateral ICT cooperation: i) jointly building a hub for cutting-edge technological innovation, ii) jointly promoting the integration of the digital industry, and iii) jointly enhancing the resilience of industrial and supply chains. Mr. WU Qingwen, Mayor of the Suzhou Municipal People’s Government, welcomed the hosting of the Trilateral Innovation Dialogue by TCS in Suzhou — a city where history, art, and modern innovation converge. He noted that modern Suzhou continues to uphold its reputation as one of the most technologically advanced regions in the country, developed with its increasing industrial partnerships with Japan and Korea. He reaffirmed Suzhou’s commitment to advancing trilateral cooperation in ICT and related industries by actively engaging with business communities to explore opportunities for future collaboration. The Dialogue is part of TCS’ ongoing efforts to implement the agreements of the 9th Trilateral Summit held last May, to serve as a valuable platform for private-sector exchange and supporting the 7th China-Japan-Korea ICT Ministers Meeting held earlier the same day. The inclusion of the Dialogue in the Joint Minutes of the ministerial meeting highlights TCS’ substantive role in promoting dialogue and exchange among business sectors in the ICT field. TCS will continue to engage with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to strengthen trilateral ICT cooperation.▲Meeting in progress▲SG LEE Hee-sup delivering opening remarks▲Mr. ZHANG Yunming, Vice Minister, MIIT of China, delivering opening remarks▲Mr. WU Qingwen, Mayor of Suzhou, delivering opening remarks▲Expert Session: ICT Innovation Cooperation for an Inclusive, Sustainable, and Green Future▲Business Session I: Opportunities and Challenges of Emerging Digital Technologies▲Business Session II: Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Green Development

TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup attended the 7th China-Japan-Korea ICT Ministers’ Meeting in Suzhou, China on April 11, 2025. The Meeting was chaired by Mr. ZHANG Yunming, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China, Mr. KANG Do Hyun, Vice Minister of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the ROK, and Mr. IMAGAWA Takuo, Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan. Held for the first time since the 6th Meeting in Tokyo, Japan, in 2018, the Meeting discussed follow-up measures for the 9th Trilateral Summit held in May 2024. The Ministers shared the recent progress in ICT policies and implementation, highlighted achievements in industrial development, and presented best practices from each country. They also exchanged views on the current landscape, challenges and future initiatives regarding “Next-generation ICT” and “Innovative applications of digital technology.” During his remarks, SG LEE underscored the continuous momentum of trilateral ICT cooperation revitalized by the ministers’ meeting. He noted that the recent Trilateral Summit paved the way for resuming exchanges and cooperation in the ICT field after a prolonged period of stagnation, emphasizing science, technology and digital transformation as one of six key areas for trilateral cooperation closely tied to people’s daily lives. He stressed that although competition in cutting-edge industries is accelerating, it is crucial to distinguish between areas where we pursue technological superiority through competition, and areas where we cooperate on common ground to achieve sustainable development and shared growth — particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change, disasters, disease, and poverty. The meeting was followed by the Trilateral Innovation Dialogue and ICT Industry Matchmaking Event, jointly hosted by TCS and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). The Dialogue is part of TCS’ ongoing efforts to implement the agreements of the 9th Trilateral Summit, to serve as a valuable platform for private-sector exchange and support the resumed ministerial meeting. In the Joint Minutes, the Ministers reaffirmed their support for TCS’ continued role as a hub for cooperation and its active involvement in relevant events to the fullest extent under the ministerial process. The Dialogue and Matchmaking Event were also acknowledged, underscoring the importance of promoting dialogue and exchange among business sectors in the ICT field. The 8th China-Japan-Korea ICT Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Korea.▲Group photo▲Meeting in progress▲SG LEE Hee-sup delivering opening remark▲Signing Ceremony for the Joint Minutes

On April 11, 2025, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) announced the final winners of its first ever the Short Video Contest. Held from February 17 to March 23 under the theme “Shared Future, Shared Culture,” the contest aimed to promote mutual understanding among the peoples of China, Japan, and Korea. The winning videos will be showcased at the opening ceremony of the 2025–2026 “Year of Cultural Exchange” in Tokyo, Japan, on April 14, 2025. Out of a total of 62 submissions, seven winning entries were selected: one Grand Prize, three Excellence Awards, and three Special Selections. The Grand Prize-winning video, titled “Love & Future: Cultural Exchange in the Three Countries,” explored the meaning of the Chinese character for love (愛), delivering the message that sincere love can transcend cultural differences and foster deeper understanding and cooperation toward a brighter shared future. The three Excellence Awards were given to “A Dream,” “Walking Side by Side,” and “Let’s Walk Together.” Special selections went to “Dear Future Us,” “Light of the Future,” and “Shared Future.” Beginning April 14, the seven winning videos will be released one by one on TCS’s official social media channels. The contest served as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the cultural exchange among the three countries and to strengthen the sense of a shared future.TCS affirmed its commitment to continuing cultural exchange initiatives that encourage active public engagement.

On March 31, the UNGC China-Japan-Korea CEO Roundtable was held in Beijing under the theme “The Role of Business in Building Family-Friendly Workplaces and Inclusive Cultures for Male Allyship”. Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) was invited to attend the meeting and delivered a keynote speech.During his speech, SG LEE emphasized the demographic challenges facing China, Japan, and Korea—particularly declining birth rates and rapidly aging populations—and underscored the essential role of corporate leadership in fostering family-friendly policies and promoting gender equality to ensure sustainable economic and social development. He also highlighted the contributions of the TCS in advancing regional cooperation through policy coordination and initiatives such as the Trilateral Forum on Population and the Trilateral Women Leaders Forum for Science and Technology.Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China, delivered the opening keynote speech. Joining him were senior representatives from the United Nations Global Compact, the All-China Women's Federation, the International Labour Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and over 80 business leaders, who shared insights on corporate sustainability, gender equality, and population development in East Asia.The annual Conference serves as a platform for participants to share best practices in sustainable business activities, discuss common challenges, and build networks to promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It also strengthens partnerships between UNGC Local Networks in East Asia.▲SG LEE delivering keynote speech▲Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup and Mr.Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China▲Group photo