East Asian Health Leaders Unite to Advance Digital Healthcare and Mental Well-being
East Asian Health Leaders Unite to Advance Digital Healthcare and Mental Well-being
Seoul, South Korea, 15 December 2025 – Health leaders from South Korea, China, and Japan have agreed to deepen trilateral cooperation on universal health coverage and mental health, placing strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and digital health technologies. The agreement was reached during the 18th Tripartite Health Ministers’ Meeting, held over two days in Seoul, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Health.
The meeting brought together South Korean Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong, Japanese Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno, and Feng Yong, Director General for International Cooperation at China’s National Health Commission. Despite recent diplomatic challenges in the region, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration on shared public health priorities.
Expanding healthcare access through technology
Originally launched in 2007 to address pandemic influenza preparedness, the tripartite health dialogue has evolved to cover a wide range of public health issues. At this year’s meeting, ministers agreed to jointly expand access to essential medical services by using AI-powered tools and digital healthcare platforms.
The countries plan to share best practices on integrating technologies such as telemedicine, mobile health services, and AI-based diagnostic support systems in ways that align with each nation’s healthcare structure. The goal is to reduce geographical and socio-economic barriers to care while improving efficiency and service quality.
 Preparing for ageing societies
With all three nations facing rapidly ageing populations, the ministers highlighted the need for more coordinated care models. They agreed to promote integrated systems that connect medical treatment with long-term care services, aiming to provide better and more seamless support for older adults.
Preventive healthcare was also emphasized as a key pillar of healthy ageing. The leaders are committed to working together on strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases and promote active, healthy lifestyles among ageing populations.
Mental health as a shared priority
Mental health emerged as a major focus of the discussions. The three countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on suicide prevention through life cycle-based approaches, early identification of high-risk groups, and improved intervention systems supported by digital tools.
In a joint statement, the ministers noted that lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of resilient and sustainable health systems. They emphasized the need to go beyond infectious disease control and address broader health challenges, including mental well-being and universal health coverage.
The countries also pledged to collaborate on tackling anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation, issues that are increasingly affecting societies across East Asia.
On the sidelines of the meeting, bilateral talks were held between South Korea and delegations from China, Japan, and the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Office. The next Tripartite Health Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled to take place in China next year.
The renewed commitment reflects a shared understanding that digital innovation, combined with policy cooperation, can play a critical role in strengthening healthcare systems and improving population health across the region.