TCS

On March 5, 2025, a delegation from the Korea Ski & Snowboard Association, led by Senior Vice President Cho Sang-Yeol, visited the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and met with Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup.SG LEE warmly welcomed the delegation and highlighted the successful conclusion of the 1st CJK Youth Winter Sports Exchange, held in January in Korea. He emphasized the importance of sports exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties among China, Japan, and Korea.During the meeting, the delegation introduced the Korea Ski & Snowboard Association and shared their vision for expanding and promoting ski culture across East Asia. Both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and exploring opportunities for future collaboration in winter sports development and exchanges.▲Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup and Senior Vice President CHO Sang-Yeol▲Group Photo

Beijing, March 3-4, 2025 – The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) kicked off the 9th Trilateral Journalist Exchange Program (TJEP) in Beijing. Under the theme “Trilateral Cooperation: Towards a Shared Future”, the week-long program brings together 12 journalists from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to deepen their understanding of trilateral cooperation and explore its future direction. The delegation is led by TCS Deputy Secretary-General ZUSHI Shuji.DSG ZUSHI delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the crucial role of journalists in bridging gaps and shaping public perception. He encouraged them to use this opportunity to explore meaningful stories that enhance mutual understanding, create positive and amicable atmosphere of public opinion, and contribute to a shared, prosperous future for the three countries.The delegation visited China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they met with Deputy Director-General HAN Mei of the Department of Asian Affairs and attended the regular press conference. The journalists also visited Yangwang Auto, a leading Chinese electric vehicle company, and experienced intelligent driving technology through test rides. Additionally, the journalists engaged in an immersive cultural experience, gaining a deeper understanding of China’s cultural heritage.This year’s TJEP marks the program’s return to its previous format of visiting all three countries for the first time since the pandemic. After Beijing, the journalists will continue their journey to Tokyo and Seoul, engaging in further discussions, site visits, joint interviews and cultural experiences.▲TJEP 2025 Opening Remarks by the TCS Deputy-Secretary General, ZUSHI Shuji▲Group photo : Opening Ceremony▲Visit to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs▲Visit to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs▲Visit to YANGWANG Auto

On February 26, 2025, Secretary-General of TCS LEE Hee-sup met with Foreign Affairs Office of the Qingdao Municipal People’s Government Deputy Director-General WANG Xiangyu in Qingdao Municipal Government Building. LEE Hee-sup said that the TCS and Qingdao successfully hosted the 2023 International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation in Qingdao, injecting momentum into the trilateral relationship during the challenging COVID-19 period and setting a positive direction for future cooperation. Both parties have historically maintained close ties and engaged in numerous exchange visits. The TCS looks forward to collaborating with Qingdao to create more impactful and vibrant events, leveraging China’s visa-free entry policy. WANG Xiangyu said that Qingdao, as China’s gateway to Japan and ROK, benefits from strategic geographical advantage and has established strong ties with local cities in both countries. Currently, Qingdao is developing a flagship project for trilateral youth exchanges and looks forward to further deepening interactions and practical cooperation with the support of the TCS.

On February 25, 2025, Secretary-General of TCS LEE Hee-sup met with Shandong University Vice President CAO Xianqiang in Shandong University (hereinafter referred to as SDU) Qingdao Campus. LEE Hee-sup appreciated that SDU has supported the TCS projects, including the Internship Program and the Young Scholars Forum. As the birthplace of Confucianism, Shandong has a tradition of emphasizing school constitution and student education. TCS looks forward to SDU participating in more trilateral cooperation in the future. CAO Xianqiang highlighted SDU’s deep involvement in trilateral cooperation, including the China-Japan-ROK Academic Symposium and the Campus Asia Program since 2016, which have fostered strong partnerships with Sungkyunkwan University and Nagasaki University. SDU expects more contact and communication with TCS in the future.