On April 8, 2012, the sixth meeting of foreign ministers of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was held in Ningbo, Zhejiang. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi presided over the meeting. His Japanese counterpart Koichiro Gemba and the ROK Foreign Minister Kim Sunghwan attended the meeting.

The three foreign ministers exchanged views on the progress and future direction of cooperation among China, Japan and the ROK, the preparations for the fifth China-Japan-ROK Summit Meeting and other regional and international issues of common concern.

Yang spoke highly of the progress of the trilateral cooperation. He stressed that China, Japan and the ROK should work closer together to seek development as the uncertain and unstable factors in the world economy today are on the rise. It will not only benefit the three countries but also Asia and the world at large. The three countries should firmly hold onto the direction of friendly cooperation in a strategic and long-term perspective, strengthen communication and coordination, increase understanding and mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, advance cultural exchanges and join hands to push foward the regional economic integration and enhance the future-oriented and all-round cooperative partnership.

They listened to the report of Secretary General of China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) Shin Bong-kil and expressed satisfaction with the sound momentum of trilateral cooperation and the work of the Secretariat. The three sides discussed their cooperation and indicated intention to strengthen cooperation on business, finance, energy saving and environmental protection, weather, disaster prevention and relief, conclude the three-party investment agreement at an early date, launch the negotiation on China-Japan-ROK free trade area as soon as possible, accelerate the building of China-Japan-ROK recycling economy demonstration base and actively carry out cultural exchanges and public diplomacy. They also agreed to take measures to support the faster development of ASEAN.

They said they would make every effort to make the fifth China-Japan-ROK Summit Meeting to be held in China this year a productive event.

They also exchanged views on the regional and international issues of common concern, including the situation in Northeast Asia, East Asia cooperation, climate change, nuclear safety, achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals and the international economic situation.

They shared opinions on the situation of Korean Peninsula, including the announcement of satellite launch of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Yang reiterated China's relevant position. He said that the Chinese side is concerned and worried about the development of the situation. Maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula and achieving lasting peace and stability of Northeast Asia serve the common interests of all parties. China calls upon relevant parties to focus on the overall situation, remain calm, exercise restraint and properly resolve related issues through diplomatic channels and by peaceful means. China is ready to maintain close communication and coordination with relevant parties and play a constructive role in safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting the Six-Party Talks.

Following the meeting, the three foreign ministers attended the launch ceremony of the website of the TCS and met the press together.

The seventh meeting of foreign ministers of China, Japan and the ROK will be held in the ROK next year.