Summary
China, Japan, and South Korea held their first trade talks in 5 years in Seoul, agreeing to deepen cooperation amid looming U.S. tariffs announced by Donald Trump.
With a 25% tariff on car imports threatening their export-heavy economies, the three nations pledged to advance negotiations on a trilateral free trade agreement and strengthen the RCEP.
South Korea’s trade minister emphasized joint action against global economic fragmentation.
The meeting marks a renewed push for regional trade unity as tensions with the U.S. grow. The next meeting will be held in Japan.
Agreed. It’s not really China’s decision as much as it is their trade partners. Currency swapping is far more costly from an accounting standpoint, which is why many BRICS nations have adopted the Renminbi for trade.