China, Japan and South Korea have agreed to expedite negotiations on their trilateral free trade agreement and enhance cooperation in supply chain management and export controls, according to China's Ministry of Commerce.

During the 13th meeting of economic and trade ministers from the three countries, which took place in Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday, top trade officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration within regional and multilateral frameworks.

They agreed to enhance cooperation in areas including the reform of the World Trade Organization, the development of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, green and digital economies, according to a statement released by China's commerce ministry.

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Speaking during the meeting, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said that affected by factors such as the spread of unilateralism and protectionism, downward pressure on the global economy has increased.

Wang said China, Japan and South Korea should jointly uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, continue to promote regional economic integration and inject strong momentum into the prosperity and development of the global economy.