Japan urges cooperation before meeting with China, South Korea

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called on foreign ministers from China and South Korea to seek common ground ahead of an important meeting. This meeting is set to take place on Saturday. The foreign ministers will discuss plans for a summit later this year in Japan. Key topics include North Korea's missile and nuclear programs, Russia's war in Ukraine, and other regional issues. The gathering is notable because Japan, China, and South Korea have had historical tensions and territorial disputes. The last similar meeting took place in South Korea last year. Ishiba emphasized that cooperation among the three nations is essential for their national interests and regional peace. The talks occur amid uncertain political and economic conditions in Japan, as well as challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump. After the main meeting, Japan and China will hold separate discussions. This will mark their first high-level economic talks since April 2019. The two countries are working to improve relations, despite ongoing territorial disputes. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea are strengthening ties due to shared concerns about China's influence in the region.