While government-led diplomacy has shaped trilateral relations among China, Japan, and Korea, non-governmental actors—media, think tanks, and local governments—play a vital role in fostering trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding. However, trilateral relations face a paradox: rising competition and weakening interdependence. Trade reliance among the three is declining as supply chains diversify and economic ties shift. To ensure a sustainable trilateral framework, balancing competition and cooperation is essential. This session will highlight the indispensable role of non-governmental actors in fostering a trilateral framework that can withstand geopolitical uncertainties, By leveraging these key players, the three countries can work towards a model of cooperation that acknowledges competition but prioritizes long-term regional stability and trust-building.