China, South Korea and Japan held a three-way forum on public diplomacy here in Beijing today.

The forum aimed to promote cooperation among the three nations. It had three sub-forums separately focusing on political, economic and cultural cooperation.

The forum aimed to promote cooperation among the three nations. It had three sub-forums separately focusing on political, economic and cultural cooperation.

The forum was an idea that emerged from a meeting in November last year in the South Korean capital, Seoul. Its purpose was to repair relations strained by historical and territorial issues.

"We should clearly understand that our three countries have far more common interests than differences. And we should take an objective and rational look at the development of our three countries. We should have deep, frank strategic communication to increase trust and promote common security. And we should create favorable conditions to boost cooperation between our three countries," said Zhang Yesui, Chinese vice foreign minister.