Beijing vows efforts for stability in Northeast Asia

China hopes to work with the Republic of Korea and Japan to promote cooperation and contribute to making Northeast Asia safer, more stable, more open and more prosperous, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday.

The three neighboring countries held the International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation in Seoul on Tuesday.

Their foreign ministers sent messages to congratulate the forum's opening, believing that the three countries should improve mutual trust, and coordinate for regional peace, economic recovery and friendly exchanges between their peoples, Wang told a daily news conference.

Wang said participants had an in-depth exchange of views over trilateral cooperation and shared their views on promoting the institutionalization of cooperation, driving inclusive growth and enhancing cultural exchanges.

Cooperation began when leaders of the three countries met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Plus China, Japan, ROK Summit in Manila in November 1999, and cooperation was stepped up with the launch of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat in Seoul in September 2011.

The forum was inaugurated in October 2011, and has been held almost every year since then.

Over the past two decades, trilateral cooperation has played a positive role in maintaining peace in East Asia, driving regional economic cooperation and promoting world development, Wang said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the ROK, and the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

"As important countries in the region and major economies in the world, the three countries should improve mutual trust, interact positively and send messages of lasting peace, friendship and cooperation to the world," Wang said.

The spokesman also called on the countries to expand common interests and cooperation in the digital economy, green development and public health, and also guide their people, especially the youth, to increase mutual understanding and friendship.