FTA between China and the ROK should be pushed forward as the first step toward broader East Asian cooperation

Among the planned free trade areas, the one between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, three economic powerhouses of Asia, is definitely of key importance to the region. But to achieve that goal, each pair will have to establish a bilateral FTA first.

However, Japan's relations with both China and the ROK have worsened, after a number of its rightwing politicians made improper comments on territorial and historical problems, which has put a stop to its FTA negotiations with China and the ROK. Therefore, China and the ROK should accelerate the establishment of FTA between them.