On October 26, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, upon invitation, attended the opening ceremony of the Seminar Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Trilateral Cooperation held in Changchun City, Jilin Province and delivered a keynote speech.

Sun Weidong said that in May this year, the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was successfully held, at which Premier Li Qiang pointed out that it is necessary to start a new journey of China-Japan-ROK cooperation and make greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability. China, Japan and the ROK share geographical proximity, connected development and interlinked culture. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of China-Japan-ROK cooperation. Over the past 25 years, the three countries have established an all-round cooperation system, which has driven the process of regional economic integration and enhanced the well-being of the people of the three countries. The three sides should earnestly implement the new vision set by the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and the ROK, strengthen confidence in cooperation and enhance the level of cooperation. The three countries should carry forward the spirit of good neighborliness and friendship, firmly form a sense of partnership, and continuously consolidate the political foundation of cooperation. The three sides should grasp the trend of openness and development, accelerate the negotiation of the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Agreement, and maintain the stability and smooth flow of the regional industrial and supply chains. The three countries should seize the opportunities of scientific and technological innovation, and strengthen cooperation in such fields as the digital economy, low-carbon transition, and response to aging. The three sides should take the opportunity of organizing the Year of Cultural Exchanges among the three countries to continuously expand people-to-people exchanges, strengthen the foundation of friendship among the three countries, and work together to build a better future for Asia.

The Seminar Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Trilateral Cooperation was co-hosted by China Foreign Affairs University and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), with nearly 130 representatives from various sectors of China, Japan and the ROK in attendance.

On the same day, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong also met with TCS Secretary-General Lee Hee-sup at the latter's request.