China-Japan-Korea Trilateral Cooperation: Is It for Real?

The diplomatic effort of all three Northeast Asian nations to forge institutionalized cooperation through the Trilateral Summit and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat often goes unnoticed. This essay takes stock of China, Japan, Korea (CJK) relations, drawing attention to the opportunities and limits provided by institutionalized trilateral cooperation. It argues that the Trilateral Summit/Secretariat has some positive effect in addressing non-controversial issues and building low levels of trust. However, the overriding weight of bilateral tensions has significantly limited the impact of trilateral cooperation in promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia.