China-Japan-ROK cooperation is pragmatic, and the three countries benefit greatly —— An interview with the Secretary-General of the China-Japan-ROK Cooperation Secretariat

　　The picture shows the Secretary-General of the China-Japan-ROK Cooperation Secretariat.

　　[Editor’s Note] On December 24th, the China-Japan-ROK Leaders’ Meeting will be held in Chengdu, China. This year coincides with the 20th anniversary of China-Japan-ROK cooperation. Over the past 20 years, with the joint efforts of the governments and people of the three countries, the cooperation among the three countries has gradually deepened and expanded, with remarkable results. A few days ago, Shang Shi Dao, Secretary-General of the trilateral cooperation secretariat of China, Japan and South Korea, accepted an exclusive interview with People’s Daily and introduced the cooperation between China, Japan and South Korea.

　　People’s Daily Online: The 8th China-Japan-ROK Leaders’ Meeting will be held on December 24th. This year coincides with the 20th anniversary of China-Japan-ROK cooperation. How do you evaluate the important achievements and experiences of China-Japan-ROK cooperation?

　　Respect history on the road: China, Japan and South Korea have made great progress in cooperation between the government and the private sector. Intergovernmental cooperation is very active. Besides the upcoming leaders’ summit, there are 21 ministerial meetings. From the end of November to the end of the year, there will be six ministerial meetings (environment, patents, disaster management, health care, science and technology) and many practical communication meetings in five weeks. Every time I attend the meeting, I really feel that the pragmatic needs of cooperation among the three countries in various fields are quite large and beneficial to all three countries.

　　Non-governmental cooperation and exchanges in culture, education, media, universities, local governments and other fields are also increasing. I think the increase of these personnel exchanges has greatly promoted the mutual understanding and understanding between the nationals of the three countries. As the secretariat of trilateral cooperation, we not only promote intergovernmental cooperation, but also actively help promote non-governmental cooperation in different fields. We also feel that it is meaningful to do so.

　　People’s Daily Online: China, Japan and South Korea are major economies in Asia. In the current international situation where unilateralism and trade protectionism are on the rise, how do you evaluate the significance of strengthening cooperation between China, Japan and South Korea?

　　History on the Road: It was repeatedly mentioned in the statement of the last leaders’ meeting that China, Japan and South Korea reached a consensus on strengthening the importance of a free and open multilateral trading system. The three countries have always indicated that they will make joint efforts in building an open world economic system in response to the current rise of protectionism. However, this is not a problem that can be solved by East Asian cooperation alone, but requires full consultation with other regions such as North America and Europe, so that trade and investment can develop in the right direction.

　　People’s Daily Online: The "China, Japan and Korea +X" model gathers the experience and wisdom of the three countries, gives full play to their respective advantages, and actively promotes regional development. According to your observation, what early gains have been made by this model? How to effectively promote the further implementation of this model?

　　The discussion on "China, Japan and South Korea +X" cooperation model is still in the initial stage, but there are several examples. As one of the results of the "+X" cooperation model, the secretariat proposed to hold the "Northeast Asia Forum on Developing Disaster Reduction Technology". The participants in the forum are not only China, South Korea and Japan, but also Mongolia, the Philippines and Indonesia. China has also put forward projects such as joint research on sandstorms and prevention of tropical diseases.

　　I attended the 22nd ASEAN +3 Leaders Summit held on November 4th last year. The leaders of ASEAN countries have made many demands on China, Japan and South Korea for cooperation in environment, disaster prevention, economy and trade, small and medium-sized enterprises and other fields, which is impressive. Promoting cooperation among the three countries is our priority. Although it should be promoted on the basis of the wishes of the three countries, I think cooperation at the "+X" level is also feasible in the future.

　　People’s Daily Online: As far as you are concerned, what do you want to do to further promote the cooperation process among China, Japan and South Korea?

　　History on the Road: I personally have working experience in South Korea and China, and know many scholars, entrepreneurs and media people. Using this network, we can develop exchange and cooperation projects and hold activities in many fields in the future, and I also want to improve the visibility of our secretariat. At the same time, I have done a lot of writing and speaking during my stay in Korea and China, and I will take an active part in this time if I have the chance.