The 2025 International Forum on Regional Cooperation and Development of China, Japan and the ROK was held at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) from Sept 19 to 20.

The 2025 International Forum on Regional Cooperation and Development of China, Japan and the ROK kicks off at BFSU. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Zhao Gang, BFSU's vice president, highlights the forum's significance during the event. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During the forum, Zhao Gang, BFSU's vice president, highlighted the forum's significance as a major platform for transnational exchange in Northeast Asia. Having been hosted at the university for eight consecutive years, the forum has become a crucial venue for dialogue. Zhao emphasized the geographical proximity and strong economic complementarities among the three countries, which have established a solid foundation for cooperation in various fields, including trade, technology, culture, and finance. In light of the evolving global landscape, he urged the three nations to seize historical opportunities to deepen regional cooperation, enhance the resilience of supply chains, and jointly promote peace, stability, and prosperity in East Asia and beyond.

Xing Zhigang, an editorial member of China Daily, delivers a speech on-site. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Xing Zhigang, an editorial member of China Daily, stated that young people are the key force in sustaining and developing the friendship among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. More young people should be encouraged to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation.

Zhu Ying, deputy director of the China Youth & Children Research Center, delivers a speech on-site. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Zhu Ying, deputy director of the China Youth & Children Research Center, emphasized that the three countries have been deepening mutual understanding and friendship among their youth through various means such as youth forums, cultural exchanges, and innovation and entrepreneurship competitions. In this context, academic and practical cooperation should be further strengthened.

Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, addresses during the forum. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, stated that this forum provides an important platform for dialogue in response to global trade uncertainties. He said, the Secretariat will continue to support partners like BFSU in building academic and regional cooperation platforms, turning current challenges into new opportunities for promoting mutually beneficial development.

Subsequently, both Chinese and international guests delivered keynote speeches.

This year, the forum also included sessions such as the China-Japan-ROK youth forum and the academic exchange sub-forum. Nearly one hundred representatives from academia, industry, and youth from the three countries engaged in discussions and in-depth exchanges on topics such as China-Japan-ROK supply chain cooperation.