China, Japan, S. Korea discuss cooperation

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Leaders from China, Japan and South Korea have met in Beijing for their trilateral meeting. Premier Wen Jiabao, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak reviewed trilateral cooperation in the past decade and discussed future plans. Expectations are high the summit will boost financial cooperation and establish an East Asian Community.

Leaders from China, Japan and South Korea opened their trilateral meeting in Beijing today.

High on the meeting's agenda is cooperation amid the financial crisis and climate change. Leaders will also discuss denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the trilateral cooperative mechanism between the three neighboring countries. Premier Wen Jiabao says this year's trilateral meeting is particularly significant.

Premier Wen said, "This year is crucial for us to cope with the global financial crisis and resume economic growth. The trilateral summit offers a great opportunity for leaders to review and summarize the progress of trilateral cooperation and draw up the future plan. We will also exchange views on important international and regional issues. It is important for mutual political trust and promoting mutual cooperation for Asia's development."

Also in the spotlight is the newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister. This is Yukio Hatoyama's first visit to China since taking office last month. Hatoyama said Japan was ready to work with China to consolidate mutually beneficial relations.