Global Courant
BEIJING – China, Japan and South Korea must send a clear signal of regrouping toward cooperation and resisting “the coercion of bullying and domination,” China’s top diplomat, Mr. Wang Yi, said in a clear swipe at the government on Monday. United States .
The comments come at a time of heightened tension as the US moves to forge closer ties with allies Japan and South Korea to push back against China’s growing regional influence.
Mr. Wang spoke of efforts to revive cooperation between the three neighboring countries at a forum organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, a body established by agreement between Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo.
He called on them to “promote a sense of strategic autonomy, maintain regional unity and stability, resist the return of the Cold War mentality, and be free from the coercion of harassment and domination,” said the Chinese newspaper. Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While Mr. Wang stopped mentioning the US, he said “certain major countries outside the region” have been trying to replace unity with division as they look for geographic gains, the ministry said.
“If this trend is allowed to develop, it will not only seriously hinder the smooth progress of trilateral cooperation, but also increase tension and confrontation in the region,” Wang said.
He stressed the need to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, and to oppose any words or actions that could plunge the region into war.
Speaking at the event in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Mr. Wang also called for an acceleration of free trade zone talks and efforts to free up and facilitate trade between neighbors.
However, he reiterated Beijing’s opposition to Japan’s plan to discharge treated water from Tokyo Electric Power’s nuclear power plant in Fukushima into the sea, saying it would harm the marine ecosystem and people’s safety.
South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa addressed the event via video link. REUTERS
