China, Japan, S. Korea renew free trade call

Close allies: Ahn (centre), with Muto (left) and Wang during the meeting in Seoul yesterday. The gathering aimed to strengthen ties as the countries face the impact of US tariffs. — AFP

SEOUL: Trade chiefs from China, Japan and South Korea are renewing their call for an open, fair flow of goods and pledge to deepen economic ties, a few days before the Trump administration is set to unleash fresh tariffs on nations around the world.

South Korea’s Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun and his counterparts, Yoji Muto of Japan and China’s Wang Wentao, discussed a free trade agreement in Seoul yesterday.