The trilateral meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday came at a sensitive time in the region. The meeting took place just hours after the DPRK test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

China, South Korea and Japan agreeed to lead global efforts against what they call Pyongyang’s provocative actions. Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the three countries to overcome difficulties and focus on cooperation to keep their ties healthy and stable.