'Milestone' agreement is signed

China, Japan and ROK on course for landmark regional trade pact

A "milestone" investment agreement between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea was signed in Beijing on Sunday, after years of negotiations, while the leaders of the three nations announced that talks focusing on a free-trade agreement would be launched within the year.

Aside from substantial economic benefits, experts said that the FTA, if realized, could help ease regional tension and possibly lead to a more integrated Northeast Asia.