TCS

On April 16, 2025, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) signed the extended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for three more years of cooperation until 2028, reaffirming their shared commitment based on the overlapping interests in the economic and financial issues across the ASEAN+3 region. TCS and AMRO signed their initial MOU in 2019, which the two extended in 2022. This second extension reflects continued collaboration between the two organizations in joint research, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and other joint activities. By leveraging their respective expertise, TCS and AMRO will continue to strengthen cooperation to enhance institutional capacities and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to advancing economic and financial cooperation across the region and beyond.

On April 14, 2025, the Opening Ceremony of the Year of China- Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange 2025-2026 was held in Tokyo, Japan.The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS).At the beginning of the ceremony, congratulatory remarks were delivered by Mr. NONAKA Atsushi, Vice Minister of Japan; Mr. GAO Zheng, Vice Minister of China; Mr. YONG Hoseon, First Vice Minister of the Republic of Korea; and Mr. LEE Hees-sup, Secretary-General of the TCS, celebrating the launch of this cultural initiative.Following the speeches, the official logo for the Year of China-Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange 2025–2026 was unveiled to the public for the first time at the Opening Ceremony. As the official emblem of the initiative, the logo will be used in a variety of events and programs held throughout the cultural exchange year across the three countries.In addition, seven winning works from the CJK Short Video Contest 2025 were showcased, offering creative perspectives on regional cultural exchange.To mark the start of these memorable years, a series of cultural performances representing the three countries were presented.From Japan, Shosho KOBORI of the Enshu Sado School demonstrated the Japanese tea ceremony. The Upopoy Performing Arts Team also gave a performance highlighting indigenous Ainu culture.From China, the audience enjoyed performances by guzheng musician Miao Qing, Peking Opera performer Guo Xiao, singer Gong Shuang, and dancer Gan Zige.From the Republic of Korea, the National Gugak Center concluded the ceremony with a vibrant performance of the traditional Mask Dance and Janggu Dance.The Year of Cultural Exchange 2025–2026 was designated at the 9th Trilateral Summit among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, held in May 2024.This initiative aims to promote mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of the three countries through cultural exchange activities across a wide range of fields, including culture and the arts. A variety of cultural events will take place throughout 2025 and 2026 under this initiative.▲Group Photo with the Official Logo▲Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, delivering his remark▲Cultural Performances

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