On the peace and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Mr. Soeya asserted that China has a significant role in the matter, but it is yet to be seen which course of action China will take in response to the pressure from the recent U.S. missile strike on Syria.
Mr. Liu also stated that China can work with the U.S. in making the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapons despite the differences in their opinions. He also suggested that providing training to the government officials about the other parties’ situation can contribute to overcoming the differences and enhancing understanding among the three countries.
Mr. Choi commented that in times of crisis, China has to clearly deliver a message to the U.S. that should any war break out in Northeast Asia, it will compromise the U.S. hegemony and interests. Calling on all relevant parties to come up with a concrete roadmap and action plan for the next 5-10 years for dealing with the DPRK, Mr. Choi said this task will be an important litmus test for China’s leadership in the region.

On ways of trilateral cooperation to deal with the US policy to reduce trade deficit, Mr. Bark stated that restarting the trilateral ministerial meeting was the key to show the world that East Asia leaders support multilateralism. Adding onto this, the speakers agreed that strong commitments and leadership are needed to achieve ambitious and high-level trade agreements.
Currently China, Japan and the ROK’s main economic power comes from manufacturing, but one of the focus in the RCEP talks is increased competition in the service sector, possible collaboration in environment and pollution, and how the three countries can effectively cope with digital power. On ways of collaborating in these three new areas, Mr. Iwata mentioned that TPP can serve as a model of regional integration given its advanced deals in digital trade, environment and labour.
The discussion was concluded with the shared recognition that the uncertainties in the global economic context are both challenges and opportunities for strengthening the trilateral cooperation.

Regarding the relationship between the trilateral cooperation mechanism and addressing youth issues in the ROK, Mr. Roh stated that it is necessary to find a way to accommodate more students. Although education exchange is not the specific measure to deal with unemployment issue, it can at least help to improve the quality of education. From these programmes, young students have the opportunity to teach younger students and future generations. Asian values can be interpreted and transferred to more students. From CAMPUS Asia project, such values can be shared, such views can be exchanged to consolidate the foundation among young people.
About the CAMPUS Asia programme, Mr. Araki mentioned that although only limited number of students can get the opportunity to join, scholarships have been provided to a range of students. With the scholarship, they can go to Japan or study in China and the ROK. In fact, not only governmental scholarships but also private scholarships have been offered to relief students’ financial pressure.
In terms of the expense in education in Denmark, Mr. Lehmann highlighted that education is free and equal for all in Denmark. The Danish government pays the students to study. Each student can receive around 900 US dollars per month to study. No matter the students are from wealthy or poor family, they can have equal opportunities. Although it looks expensive, the government takes this as a very important investment for the future of Denmark.