TCS

On June 8, 2023, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) Secretary-General OU Boqian delivered a lecture titled "Shared Future in Our Hands" at Qingdao University’s School of International Studies. The lecture aimed to promote understanding of Trilateral Cooperation and was attended by over 60 students and faculty members. During the lecture, SG OU provided a concise overview of the history and development of Trilateral Cooperation, emphasizing its role in promoting lasting peace, common prosperity, and a shared future in the region. She stressed that despite the challenges facing the region, the TCS remains committed to fulfilling its mission of supporting existing mechanisms and exploring cooperative projects. She further elaborated on TCS's efforts in various areas to promote trilateral cooperation, such as the TCS annual flagship event, the International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation (IFTC), which will be held in Qingdao on July 3 this year. She also highlighted the 'Cultural City of East Asia' Media and Internet Celebrity tour, which took place in late April to strengthen economic and cultural exchanges among CCEA cities. SG OU highlighted the significance of face-to-face exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding among three countries. Underscoring the role of youth exchanges in shaping the future of trilateral cooperation, she introduced key TCS youth projects such as the Young Ambassador Program (YAP), Trilateral Youth Summit (TYS), etc., which have now been integrated under the Trilateral Youth Exchange Network (TYEN). She encouraged the students to join TYEN to exchange their perspectives, participate in TCS youth-related projects in their capacity, and take their own initiatives for a shared future.Lastly, she greeted the students with adorable TCS mascot, Crested Ibis, and introduced its English name, ‘Tribi’, as well as Chinese name, ‘鹮鹮’, which received a warm welcome from the students. Following the lecture, Students actively engaged in Q&A session and asked questions on the projects of TCS, prospects of regional cooperation at the TCS. ▲During lecture▲Group photo

On June 4, 2023, TCS Secretary-General OU Boqian welcomed the delegation of Jilin Province, headed by Mr. XU Caishan, Deputy Secretary-General of the People’s Government of Jilin Province. TCS Deputy Secretary-General SAKATA Natsuko was present at the meeting. SG OU stressed that TCS focused on exchanges among local governments, appreciated Jilin’s contribution to the Trilateral Cooperation, emphasizing that the geography and humanities of Jilin are important advantages and looking forward to having further cooperation. Deputy Secretary-General XU Caishan pointed out that Jilin and TCS have established a profound friendship in the past, agreed on the importance of deepening local government exchange to promote economic and trade cooperation. Both sides reached a consensus on further cooperation in the future.▲ Secretary-General OU Boqian met with Jilin Province Deputy Secretary-General XU Caishan▲Group Photo

Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat Celebrated ‘TCS Day’ at Chenggye Plaza, Seoul TCS Unveils Official Mascot names and Showcases Commitment to Peace and Cooperation (Seoul, May 30, 2023) – On May 30, 2023, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (hereinafter referred to as “TCS”) hosted ‘TCS Day’ at the Chenggye Plaza, Seoul. TCS Day was held to jointly commemorate the 13th anniversary of the “Memorandum on the Establishment of the TCS” signed by the governments of China, Japan, and the ROK in Jeju on May 30, 2010. During the Opening Ceremony, Deputy Director General Mr. KANG Young-shin from the ROK MOFA, Deputy Chief and Minister Mr. FANG Kun from the Chinese Embassy, and Minister Mr. YAMAMOTO Mondo from the Japanese Embassy delivered congratulatory remarks. Former TCS Secretary-General SHIN Bong-kil also attended the ceremony to celebrate TCS Day. Deputy Secretary General BEK Bumhym said in his opening remarks that the three countries have consistently strived to establish cooperative organizations and inter-governmental consultation mechanisms over the years. DSG BEK said, "In the future, the TCS will spare no effort to promote lasting peace, common prosperity, shared culture in the region, and deepen trilateral cooperation in various areas" in her opening remarks. The names of the TCS mascot, Crested Ibis, a bird symbolizing cooperation among China, Japan, and the ROK, were revealed at the TCS Day. It is an emblem of friendship to maintain the positive momentum of promoting trilateral cooperation. The names of the mascot were submitted with the participation of citizens from the three countries. The English name ‘Tribi’, the Chinese name ‘huán huán(鹮鹮)’, the Japanese name ‘Tokky(トッキー)’, and the Korean name 'Yeonwoo(연우)' were selected. These four names represent the meaning of friendship and cooperation between the three countries. Following the announcement, various performances took place, including a calligraphy performance showcasing the word of the year, 'Harmony(和合),' as well as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean jazz and dance performances. Additionally, there were photo exhibitions that reflected on the journey of TCS in promoting cooperation between China, Japan, and the ROK, along with an exhibition featuring the ‘Culture City of East Asia’ Media & Internet Celebrities Tour, which was held in April. These events at Cheonggye Plaza garnered attention from the public. TCS introduced significant projects such as Trilateral Youth Exchange Network (TYEN), Trilateral Statistics Hub(TSH), and Trilateral Common Vocabulary Dictionary & Workbook(TCVD/TCVW) through exhibition booths. It served as a meaningful venue for citizens to learn about the culture, economy, and youth exchange between the three countries. TCS expressed its commitment to continue implementing various projects aimed at seeking peace and harmony in this region.▲ DSG BEK delivering Opening Remarks▲ Deputy Director General of ROK MOFA Mr. KANG Young-shin delivering Congratulatory Remarks▲ Minister of the Chinese Embassy Mr. FANG Kun delivering Congratulatory Remarks▲ Minister of the Japanese Embassy Mr. YAMAMOTO Mondo delivering Congratulatory Remarks▲ TCS Mascot Name Revealing Ceremony▲ Group Photo▲ Calligraphy “和合” Performance▲ CJK Jazz music performance

On May 22, 2023, Secretary-General OU Boqian of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) delivered an online lecture at The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP). SG OU introduced the history and overview of Trilateral Cooperation and the major programs that the TCS organizes. The presentation was followed by a Q and A session which focused on three themes; 1) Trilateral Cooperation amidst geopolitical difficulties 2) Common Challenges among CJK, and 3) Cooperation beyond the scope of CJK. Guided by the moderation of Professor NISHIZAWA Toshiro, the students actively raised questions expanding the themes above into fields of their interest such as human security, economic cooperation, gender equality, declining mutual perception, aging society, disaster reduction, cooperation with ASEAN countries, and so on. SG OU especially emphasized the importance of face-to-face exchanges. The overload of information alongside the 2-3 year pandemic has provided less opportunities for direct communication among the people, and led to the exposure of extreme opinions while people live a double-faced life in the cyber world and the real world. “Cooperation” is the key to maintain lasting peace in the region regardless of the rapidly transforming geopolitical landscapes and challenges each country faces. SG OU encouraged the students of GraSPP by saying “Where there is a strong youth, there is a strong Northeast Asia”. ▲SG OU Boqian delivering the lecture▲Students of GraSPP participating in the lecture