A China-Japan-ROK health ministers' conference on fighting COVID-19 was held via video links on May 15.

Speakers at the videoconference included Ma Xiaowei, minister of China's National Health Commission, Japanese Health Minister Katsunobu Kato, South Korean Health Minister Park Neunghoo, Takeshi Kasai, the regional director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) Michigami Hisashi. The conference was presided over by Ma.

Ma introduced China's measures and experience in combating the virus. He proposed three initiatives for future collaboration between China, Japan and South Korea. First, the three countries should support the leading role of the WHO in fighting against the pandemic. Second, they should make joint efforts to enhance international cooperation in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Third, they should work together to help countries with vulnerable health systems improve their response capabilities.

He called on the countries to continue to work together to fight the virus, jointly safeguard regional and global health safety and support the establishment of a health community for mankind.

Representatives from Japan and South Korea introduced their domestic situations in COVID-19 prevention and control including measures taken, and expressed their willingness to continue to support the WHO as the leader in the global pandemic fight. They will also make efforts to enhance international solidarity and cooperation in the COVID-19 response.

The conference adopted a joint statement, reviewed the previous close collaboration between the three countries in fighting COVID-19, and proposed a joint initiative for anti-pandemic cooperation as a next step.