China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are geographically close and culturally interconnected, with a profound shared historical heritage. The three peoples have had contacts with each other since ancient times, forming indissoluble bonds between them. In May 2024, the trilateral summit meeting was resumed, at which it was agreed that 2025 and 2026 would be designated as the China-Japan-ROK Year of Cultural Exchange, signaling the return of the trilateral cooperation to the right track.

At the "Decoding Zhonghua" International Conference on Northeast Asian Studies, held in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province on May 25, 2024, the participating experts and scholars had an in-depth discussion of the basis and future prospects of the trilateral cooperation among China, Japan and ROK.

The intensified strategic competition between the US and China triggered by the US, as well as the efforts by the US to form a trilateral cooperation mechanism among the US, Japan and ROK, has heightened the concerns of Northeast Asian countries over the possibility of a new Cold War. In order to alleviate such concerns and to achieve peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, it is more important now than ever to promote international exchanges and cooperation in Northeast Asia based on the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China.

International exchanges in Northeast Asia should prioritize mutual understanding among the peoples, emphasizing all-round cooperation in the fields of science, education, culture, health, and people-to-people exchanges, so as to build favorable public opinions for regional peace and prosperity.

— By Jeon Hong Jin,

professor at Yanbian University

Previously, a bay area typically referred to one within a country. Here, I propose the creation of a Northeast Asian Super Bay Area through establishing a Northeast Asian community of land and sea ports, with the bay at its core to achieve land-sea integrated regional cooperation in Northeast Asia.

I also propose high-quality development of the regional cooperation through deep-sea governance. With the advancement of science and technology, the deep sea is gradually becoming the frontier of the maritime domains for Northeast Asian countries. Currently, research on deep-sea governance, including that conducted by the United Nations, is limited. Northeast Asian countries should proactively engage in cooperation in this domain before major conflicts arise.

— By Zhang Jingquan,

professor at School of Northeast Asia Studies of Shandong University

If China-Japan-ROK cooperation can be fully developed, East Asia will become one of the core regions of the world economy. All three countries should adopt a pragmatic approach to cooperation based on mutual benefit, and strengthen cooperation in various fields such as cultural and economic exchanges. Through formulating trade facilitation policies and mechanisms, we will further promote economic integration, and enhance mutual trust and interconnectivity, thereby jointly building a stable and prosperous East Asian Economic Community.

At present, in the fields of tourism, education, elderly care, and service trade, there is a very strong complementarity among the three countries, with the highest level of national participation. Cooperation in these fields will see quick results and good social effect. The three countries should act swiftly in these areas to eliminate adverse factors in the cooperation. In turn, a well-established trilateral cooperation mechanism will further promote greater achievements in the cooperation.

— By Lyu Chao,

professor from the Institute of American and East Asian Studies of Liaoning University

In fact, East Asia has long witnessed a harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures.

Since modern times, peace has been both a means and a process for the Chinese people. It is also an ultimate concern, embodying the traditional Chinese concepts of Great Unity and national governance. For the Chinese people, true peace should be eternal, and the ideal society is referred to as the Datong (Great Harmony) Society. Moreover, in the Chinese understanding, peace has always been built on an order based on morality, justice, and harmony.

— By Jin Jun,

professor Institute of East Asian Cultures of the University of East Asia in Japan

Both China and ROK belong to the cultural sphere of Confucianism. Confucianism experienced enrichment and development in the periods before the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), and witnessed its climax during the Qin and Han dynasties (206 BC–AD 220). It then came under the influence of the Lao-Zhuang philosophy in the Wei and Jin dynasties (220–420). During the Sui (581–618) and Tang dynasties (618–907), it became the official learning, and finally experienced innovative developments in the Song (960–1279) and Ming dynasties (1368–1644). In the process, the influence of the Confucian culture expanded to neighboring countries, becoming the mainstream culture in the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

During the Tang Dynasty in its prime, envoys were sent from the Korean Peninsula to learn about the Chinese culture. Upon their return, they were highly valued and played a significant role in the development of the local culture. Even today, there are many relics from China's Han and Tang dynasties in ROK, serving as a testament to the friendly exchanges between China and ROK in ancient times.

— By Hu Mingyuan,

professor at Dalian Minzu University

Compiled by DeepChina.

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