The government is reportedly seeking to establish a security dialogue body allowing bureau chiefs from South Korea, China and Japan to discuss military and security cooperation.

"Consultations are underway between Seoul, Beijing, and Tokyo to launch a tripartite security dialogue body this year," a government source on Monday said. "Officials from defense ministries in the three countries will take part in the body."

This will be the first such body. The three countries are expected to carry out substantial joint exercises rather than the mere humanitarian maritime search and rescue exercises they currently cooperate in.

The body is also expected to be helpful to building a multilateral security system in Northeast Asia. The idea is based on an agreement reached by the leaders of the three countries in Beijing in October last year, the source added.