Japan, ROK could gain by boosting trade relations with China

Although China, Japan and the Republic of Korea are all optimistic about the prospects of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and their cooperation under the RCEP framework, their economic and trade cooperation faces some challenges, despite the opportunities. One such challenge comes from Japan and the ROK joining the US-led "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity" and adopting policies to "decouple" from China and thus stoking geopolitical tensions.

Should China, Japan and the ROK deepen their cooperation in line with market rules, or should they adopt an exclusive attitude due to their different ideologies? The answer is simple: they should adhere to market rules and inject new impetus into regional and global economies.

The RCEP will promote Asia's economic integration, as it provides the first common platform for China, Japan and the ROK to boost free trade amid rising geopolitical tensions and global turmoil, and help increase global growth.