Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa says that the upcoming summit between South Korea, China, and Japan next Monday will be an important opportunity for the entire region.

Speaking on Thursday, Hayashi pointed out that the leaders of the three countries share responsibility for peace and prosperity in the region. He said they will be meeting amid a major shift in the international situation to discuss cooperation and ways to address the challenges they face.

Hayashi declined to comment when a reporter asked whether the stalled talks on a trilateral free trade agreement will be addressed. He stated that Japan thinks it is important for the three nations to strengthen the rules on free and fair trade and investment.
Hayashi confirmed that Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol prior to the three-way summit.

He said Japan will continue to bolster the expanding dialog and cooperation with South Korea.

Hayashi mentioned that Japan and China are still trying to arrange a meeting between Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the trilateral summit.

He reiterated Japan's policy that the two nations should strive to establish constructive and stable bilateral ties, by promoting a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.

Hayashi said Japan intends to maintain communications with China in various forms.