China is trying to disrupt ties between Japan, the US and the ROK; Seeks opportunities at the top to revive the economy

SEOUL – China’s presence at the latest trilateral summit with Japan and South Korea likely stemmed from the country’s intention to turn the event into an opportunity to revive its economy, which has suffered a persistent slowdown by expanding exchanges with the two countries.

Against the backdrop of the confrontation between China and the United States, Beijing is also believed to be planning to drive a wedge between Japan, the United States and South Korea.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang proposed at Monday’s meeting that the three countries would “deepen economic and trade connectivity, maintain the stability and smoothness of the industrial chain and supply chain, and advance the negotiations on the China-Japan-South China Free Trade Agreement Korea would resume and complete. FTA) as soon as possible.”

The three leaders also included wordings in a joint statement to expedite negotiations on signing the FTA.

Sustainable economic development is essential for the Chinese Communist Party to maintain its one-party rule. Li told the chairman of South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. on Sunday. that foreign-invested companies are a crucial force for China’s development and urged more investment from the company.

The combined gross domestic product of Japan, China and South Korea constitutes more than 20% of the world total. To stimulate the economy, China has high hopes for a trilateral free trade agreement that would lead to expanded trade. By embracing Japan and South Korea, China may be aiming for an economic zone in the Asia-Pacific region without the United States.

China is likely looking to disrupt the security alliance between Japan, the United States and South Korea as the three strengthen their security ties.

Li suggested at a joint press conference that China, Japan and South Korea “strengthen strategic communication and deepen political mutual trust.” He also noted the need to “consider each other’s core interests and vital concerns” and “adhere to genuine multilateralism,” as a warning to the United States and other countries increasingly involved in Taiwan.

However, President Xi Jinping’s government does not believe Japan and South Korea would easily compromise with China. It is expected that China will continue to strengthen relations with North Korea and Russia to strike a balance against Japan, the United States and South Korea.