TCS

On 11 September 2025, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) delegation led by Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup attended the 2025 China-Japan-Korea Industrial Cooperation & Development Forum in Weifang, China. The event brought together more than 300 representatives, including Song Junji, Vice Governor of Shandong Province, Liu Yun, Secretary of the Weifang Municipal Party Committee, Consuls General of Japan and Korea in Qingdao, as well as other government and business leaders from the three countries. In his remarks at the opening ceremony, SG LEE noted that despite various challenges, trilateral cooperation has continued to develop, supported strongly by local government initiatives like the Forum. With the world facing digital transformation, geopolitical tensions, and protectionist trends, he stressed the urgent need for China, Japan, and Korea to strengthen collaboration in areas such as supply chain stability, advanced industries, and multilateral frameworks like RCEP and the CJK FTA. He expressed confidence that the Forum would help turn common challenges into opportunities for shared and high-quality growth. During the interview with local media, SG LEE highlighted the Forum's key role in strengthening trilateral economic cooperation. He introduced TCS’ projects in trade and economy, and expressed hope that the forum would continue to contributing to global peace and development.▲SG LEE delivering his remark▲Interview with local media

On September 9th,Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup warmly welcomed a delegation from the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) to the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS). The delegation was led by Ms. Wang Li, Deputy Director General of Department of Bilateral Cooperation of CCOIC, and included representatives from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Commercial Legal Service Center, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), as well as members of the business community. During the meeting, both sides shared updates on their respective initiatives in the fields of ESG and sustainable development, and held in-depth discussions on potential areas of collaboration. The exchange underscored the mutual interest of TCS and CCOIC in promoting regional cooperation and advancing sustainable growth through practical projects. SG LEE expressed appreciation for CCOIC’s longstanding efforts in facilitating economic cooperation and emphasized TCS’ readiness to work with CCOIC and relevant partners to explore concrete cooperation opportunities.▲Group photo

On September 5-6, 2025, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) participated in the International Symposium on Combating Desertification and Promoting Greening, held in Ejin Banner, Inner Mongolia, China. The symposium was co-organized by the Alxa League Haraahot Ecological and Cultural Protection Association, Japanese OISCA International College, and the Ejin Banner Forestry and Grassland Bureau, supported by JICA China office. The event brought together experts and officials from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan. TCS Deputy Secretary-General ZUSHI Shuji delivered opening remarks.In his remarks, DSG ZUSHI emphasized that environmental cooperation, including the fight against desertification, has long been a driving force of the trilateral partnership. He highlighted the importance of the "Trilateral + X" cooperation model to address global challenges and affirmed that the symposium aligns with the commitment to sustainable development outlined in the 9th Trilateral Summit Joint Declaration.The symposium featured two main sessions. The first session included an opening ceremony, a tree-planting activity, and a site inspection of the Suhe Afforestation Site. The second session focused on academic presentations by experts from the participating countries. Notable speakers included Dr. Xiao Jianhua from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Naoko Matsuo from Mie University, Professor Tatsuaki Kobayashi from Chiba University, and Professor Yowhan Son from Korea University, and Professor Berdiyar Jollibekov from Karakalpak Institute of Agriculture and Agrotechnology. As a part of the program, meeting participants made field trips to Juyanhai, to learn about the long-term efforts against desertification.This symposium served as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and successful case studies, fostering a stronger international network for environmental stewardship.▲DSG ZUSHI Shuji delivering remarks▲MU Ren, Deputy Chief of Ejin Banner Alxa League delivering remarks▲TAKEUCHI Kazuo, Chief Representative of JICA China delivering remarks▲Meeting in progress▲Group Photo▲Tree Planting Ceremony

On September 3, 2025, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup, Deputy Secretary-General ZUSHI Shuji and Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang (collectively as the 7th “Consultative Board”) paid a courtesy call on H.E. CHO Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.Minister CHO welcomed the TCS delegation and commended the TCS for its meaningful contributions in advancing trilateral cooperation. Reflecting on his own participation in the Future Leaders Forum in 2002, he expressed his continued interest in trilateral cooperation, emphasizing the importance of fostering next-generation exchange and people-to-people exchange. He acknowledged TCS’s efforts to promote practical cooperation among the three countries and affirmed the ROK government’s continued support.SG LEE expressed his deep gratitude for the Minister’s warm welcome and the ROK government’s unwavering support for trilateral cooperation and the TCS. He also appreciated Korea’s proactive leadership as the chair of the most recent Trilateral Summit, which played a key role in revitalizing the trilateral process. SG LEE highlighted that the TCS has been prioritizing future-oriented cooperation and expressed hope for continued support from the three foreign ministries to jointly realize these initiatives. DSG ZUSHI and YAN also expressed appreciation for the ROK’s support, emphasizing the importance of the three countries moving forward together to achieve lasting progress.▲Group Photo▲Meeting in progress