Leaders can set an example for improving ties

The trilateral meeting between the leaders of China, Japan and Republic of Korea on Sunday has given us optimism, though cautious, about reconciliation in East Asia.

Shigeo Iwatani, a veteran Japanese diplomat and former secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, believes that frequent meetings will help buildup the personal relations between Chinese and Japanese leaders. Based on improved personal trust, the two countries can then discuss pending issues or, even better, might find solutions to them.

Iwatani's words remind me of the chemistry that first led to a better relationship between China and Japan. The friendly personal connections paralleled the friendly bilateral relations. China and Japan got along for a decade when they managed their differences well.