Toward an East Asian community

The recent meeting between leaders of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) held in Jeju, ROK, marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation in East Asia. Agreements reached on several issues at the meeting will undoubtedly inject new energy into the region's economy and help revive it and build an "East Asian Community" (EAC).

The meeting achieved four important things. First, it strengthened mutual political trust among China, Japan and the ROK. It showed that the leaders of the three countries are determined to strengthen cooperation and coordination, consolidate mutual trust and share a more prosperous future. The triangular bond will thus provide a solid political foundation for future international cooperation.

Second, the main objectives and strategic directions of an EAC were spelt out more clearly at the meeting. The Trilateral Cooperation Vision 2020, which maps out a blueprint for the next 10 years, has elevated the triangular ties to a new level.