2024 China-Japan-ROK Regional Cooperation and Development Forum Held in Beijing
The 2024 China-Japan-ROK Regional Cooperation and Development Forum, a landmark international gathering, was recently convened at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Distinctly, this year’s assembly was held in conjunction with The 21st Northeast Asia Management and Economics Joint Conference, reflecting the growing importance and complexity of regional collaboration among these three major Northeast Asian economies.
In an opening address, an esteemed representative from Beijing Foreign Studies University underscored the intricate and comprehensive nature of China-Japan-ROK cooperation. This coalition is not merely a facilitator for enhancing trade and economic growth within the reginal confines but a critical propeller for broader global economic prosperity. The emphasis on a sustained collaborative effort aimed at fostering an open, inclusive, and balanced regional order was marked as a prerequisite for the success of this tripartite relationship.
The forum’s timing was particularly significant, closely following a summit that brought together the leaders of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). This confluence was a reaffirmation of the nations’ commitment to rejuvenate cooperation across various domains. Notable initiatives planned include promoting people-to-people exchanges, amplifying student mobility across Asia, expediting free trade agreement negotiations, and enhancing supply chain collaborations. These strides are envisioned to generate tangible benefits for the populace of the three nations.
During his inaugural speech, a keynote figure accentuated the pivotal role of these countries in securing global and regional stability and prosperity. He touched upon the need to navigate historical grievances, current tensions, and external influences through bolstered communication and cooperation under multilateral frameworks. The revival of free trade discussions was pinpointed as a catalyst for opening markets and stimulating trade and investment, with sectors like the silver economy and tourism highlighted as avenues for strengthening interpersonal connections among the countries.
The transformative potential of collaborative efforts in global development aid was expounded upon, citing the influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a pivot towards more pragmatic engagement practices. The synergy of China, Japan, and the ROK, bolstered by their formidable civil engineering capabilities, economic efficiencies, and shared growth experiences, positions them as ideal partners for bridging infrastructure deficiencies in developing countries.
An insightful analysis into the competitive dynamics within the global automobile market shed light on the growing rivalry amongst the three nations, especially with China’s advancements in the electric vehicle domain. Calls for enhanced cooperation at various governmental and industrial levels were voiced, aiming to spearhead innovation within the automotive sector, focusing significantly on smart connected vehicles and the exchange of talent.
The importance of China-ROK collaboration in the high-tech industry was emphasized against the backdrop of mounting China-US tech tensions. Specific attention was drawn to the AI semiconductor sector, advocating for active engagement by South Korean SMEs with China’s burgeoning AI semiconductor clusters. Moreover, the establishment of global AI technology standards was proposed as a mutual goal to realign the focus towards shared benefits.
Throughout the forum, discussions spanned a wide array of themes including technological competition, regional industrial policies, and the silver economy. The consensus underscored the urgency for strategic technological advancements, SME support, and deeper international cooperation, particularly in fields like AI and semiconductors.
The 2024 forum, reflecting a collaborative endeavor by both academic and industry behemoths, witnessed the convergence of nearly 100 distinguished delegates from academia, industry, and youth organizations. This assembly not only delved into the contours of current cooperation but also charted the trajectory for future engagements among China, Japan, and the ROK, heralding a new chapter in regional collaboration.
