East Asian integration restarts on bumpy road

When Beijing canceled a scheduled visit by a diplomatic envoy meant to clear the way for the annual China-Japan-Republic of Korea foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo, there were worries that it might not happen this year.

Ten days later, on Sunday, the failure of a special vice-ministers' meeting to agree on a date for the event only exacerbated the pessimism.

Even after the three parties finally managed to announce on Monday that it would be held on Wednesday, whether there will be a bilateral meeting between the Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers remains a question of concern to some.