China, ROK and Japan should be in solidarity
- By Zhao Kejin
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 5, 2015
The suspension of the meetings among the three countries, which are the engines of the Northeast Asian economy, has greatly hampered regional economic cooperation. Therefore, cooperation among China, the ROK and Japan, based on the common interests of their peoples, is conducive to the present situation and the world in the long run. It has been wisely pointed out that if the Free Trade Zone of China, ROK and Japan were in operation, the world would witness the rise of the largest regional economy surpassing the size of the EU. The cultural proximity and complementary elements will definitely drive the integration of the three countries to be the center and pivotal part of the "Asia Pacific Century."
However, stumbled by historic problems and the instigation of some major countries' strategic gambling, the cooperation of China, the ROK and Japan has undergone a very difficult road, especially in 2012, when the situation was almost out of control and confrontation was looming large.
Therefore, even though the implications remains unknown, the restoration of the trio's meeting is significant in view of the interests shared by the three countries which will probably become a driving force in the Asia Pacific Region.
Luckily the press conference and the announcement after the meeting of the three leaders not only focused on the restoration of cooperation but also sketched the route of development in the future. The announcement has also formulated the cooperative funds, mechanisms and programs for the three countries.
Of course there remain difficulties considering the historic problems. A correct view of history cannot be achieved overnight. It requires great patience and meticulous conduct for the three countries when facing various risks and challenges.
Additionally, the leaders do not have too many choices when facing the sovereign disputes over the islands and some countries will not give up instigating the three countries for confrontations. These factors will challenge the wisdom of the leaders and peoples in the three countries. Only by arduous work can these challenges be eventually overcome.
The author is a researcher of the Charhar Institute and associate professor in international relations, Tsinghua University.
The article was translated by Wu Jin. Its original version was first published in Chinese.
Opinion articles reflect the view of their authors only, not necessarily those of the China.org.cn.
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