TCS

On August 22, 2025, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup paid a visit to the Japan Patent Office (JPO). SG LEE expressed his sincere appreciation to JPO for its continued efforts in advancing trilateral cooperation on intellectual property (IP). He emphasized that the Trilateral Intellectual Property Offices (TRIPO) Heads Meeting is one of the most institutionalized and mature mechanisms under the framework of trilateral cooperation, reflecting the strong commitment of the three countries to collaboration in the IP field. SG LEE noted that the 25th TRIPO Heads Meeting, scheduled to take place in Japan this December, will serve as another important step forward. He reaffirmed TCS’s readiness to provide support to ensure the success of this year’s meeting. The JPO representative warmly welcomed SG LEE’s visit and commended TCS for its role in facilitating dialogue among the three countries. He highlighted the vital contribution of the TRIPO mechanism in deepening IP cooperation and fostering an environment that supports innovation and fair competition. The representative further expressed JPO’s strong commitment to working closely with China, the ROK, and TCS to deliver a successful and productive TRIPO meeting.▲Meeting in progress

On August 22, 2025, the 12th CJK Cooperation Dialogue was held in Tokyo, Japan. The event was hosted by Japan Economic Foundation (JEF), East Asia Foundation (EAF) of the ROK, and China Institute of Reform and Development (CIRD) with support from the TCS. TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup delivered remarks during the Opening Ceremony. SG LEE stressed the importance of strengthening trilateral cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties. He highlighted that despite historical and structural challenges, the three countries have achieved significant progress, driven by strong economic interdependence. SG LEE emphasized the need to accelerate negotiations on a CJK FTA, upgrade RCEP, and leverage upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to promote resilient, inclusive growth. He also called for deeper collaboration in emerging industries such as AI, clean energy, and biotechnology, underscoring that trilateral cooperation remains essential for regional stability and sustainable development. This year’s Dialogue convened experts and stakeholders from the three countries under the theme “Enhancing Trilateral Cooperation amid Shared Economic Challenges”. The program featured three thematic sessions: “Strengthening Rules-Based Free Trade in East Asia: Implications of U.S. Policy”, “Trilateral Collaboration on Climate Change and Energy Technologies”, and a youth-focused session on “Exploring Opportunities for Trilateral Cooperation in Tourism Development”. The next CJK Cooperation Dialogue will be held in the ROK in 2026.▲SG LEE delivering remarks▲Group photo

The 2025 China-Japan-Korea Children’s Story Exchange (CSE) Program kicked off in Beijing, China, and runs from August 19 to 25. The program brought together 100 elementary students from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea for a collaborative storybook-making activity, along with 28 alumni (OBs) who participated in a sub-program focused on cultural exchange and strengthening trilateral friendship. This year’s theme was “The Ship: A Millennia-Long Voyage from Dunhuang Murals to the Starship.” The alumni event was co-organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), China National Committee for the Wellbeing of Children, Parliamentary Association for the Future of Children, National Institute for Youth Education (NIYE), Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, and the Jeollanamdo Office of Education. As the official co-organizer, TCS played a key role in coordinating the alumni activities and ensuring a meaningful and well-structured program. At the opening ceremony, TCS Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang delivered a congratulatory speech, highlighting the symbolic role of the “ship” as a historic medium of cultural exchange and trade among the three countries. He expressed hope that this year's theme would inspire participants to carry forward the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation, contributing to deeper understanding among the youth of China, Japan, and Korea. Throughout the week, participants engaged in a variety of activities, including the China-Japan-Korea Pathfinder Career Exploration Workshop, where professionals shared personal career experiences and cross-cultural insights. Participants also visited major cultural and educational sites such as the Summer Palace, Dunhuang Culture & Art Exhibition, Badaling Great Wall, FAO China Office, and Renmin University, which enriched their understanding of both historical heritage and contemporary global challenges. Launched in 2002 in Japan, the Children’s Story Exchange Program aims to promote reading and mutual understanding among the children of the three countries through storytelling. Since 2011, the program has been held in a rotational trilateral format, hosted alternately by China, Japan, and Korea. The 2025 edition once again demonstrated the power of youth exchange in fostering lasting friendship and regional cooperation.▲Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang delivering the opening remarks▲Group photo▲Alumni visiting the Summer Palace▲China-Japan-Korea Pathfinder Career Exploration Workshop▲Deputy Secretary-General Yan Liang in conversation with Mr. KAWAMURA Takeo, former Member of the House of Representatives of Japan

On August 21, 2025, Deputy Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) YAN Liang met with Secretary-General of the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) DU Ping at the CPDA Office in Beijing.YAN Liang commended CPDA’s contributions to regional understanding and emphasized TCS’s continued commitment to strengthening China-Japan-ROK trust and friendship through diverse public diplomacy initiatives. He expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with CPDA in jointly promoting positive narratives of Trilateral Cooperation.DU Ping spoke highly of TCS’s role in fostering trilateral cooperation and briefed on CPDA’s recent efforts to advance public diplomacy in line with China’s overall diplomatic agenda. She expressed willingness to further enhance exchanges and collaboration with TCS. ▲ Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang and Secretary-General DU Ping