Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat Background

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Why September 2011? What was happening in the world at this time?

• President Lee Myung-bak was a key advocate for establishing closer ties between the three countries

World Events:

• Post-2008 Global Financial Crisis Recovery
• Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (March 2011)
• Regional Security and Diplomatic Tensions: North Korea's nuclear program

### Why these three countries? What differences did they put aside? What historical tensions existed, and what was the incentive?

CHINA, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA largest economies in East Asia and some of the biggest in the world.

• Maintain and boost Economic growth, enhance trade, address challenges like the 2008 financial crisis
• Manage Disputes
• Global Influence (stronger voice in international institutions such as United Nations)

Past Historical tensions:

• Japan Colonization of Korea (1910-1945):
• China and Japan Dispute Over Senkaku Islands