Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

At a daily press briefing in Beijing, Mao Ning said  that there was no agreement on when to hold a proposed meeting between the three countries’ leaders. Recent statements by the Japanese leader on the Taiwan issue have damaged the foundation and atmosphere of trilateral cooperation, she added.

Beijing's latest confirmation followed reports on the country’s refusal when Tokyo consulted it on the intention to hold the trilateral summit between China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in January 2026.