Northeast Asia Geostrategic Forum

[TaiShang]

China-Japan-SK FTA key to ‘Asia for Asians’

By Ding Gang Source:Global Times Published: 2018/9/26 20:23:39

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT


After the US began to replace the multilateral rules-based order with a bilateral one and launched one-on-one offensives against global trading partners, officials from China, Japan and South Korea vowed to speed up negotiations for a trilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at a forum in Beijing last week.

As the major engine of the global economy, China, Japan and South Korea will create a vast strategic market through the FTA, with 21 percent of the world's population, 23 percent of the GDP and 20 percent of the global trade. Integrating economic benefits will lead to greater political and economic stability and prosperity in East Asia.

China, Japan and South Korea are Asia's most important economies. Economic and trade relations between the three countries have never been so close and they have formed a production chain and a trade chain that can affect the whole world.

The seemingly intriguing macroeconomic data has driven the start of negotiations. However, due to historical reasons and the US factor (Japan and South Korea are US military allies), the formation of economic and free trade mechanisms has taken a tortuous path.

Since negotiations began in 2013, talks have been affected by political and diplomatic spats between the three countries, and have, from time-to-time, stalled.

The situation shows the urgency of promoting FTA negotiations. The integration of the Asian regional economy must first be based on the FTA involving China, Japan and South Korea. Only when the three economies reach a deal can there be a solid large-scale cooperation among Asian economies.

This is not only because the three countries are economically important, but also because they are politically significant. The trio needs to maintain sustainable cooperation. If it keeps clashing because of historical reasons or on being instigated by external forces, peace and stability in Asia cannot last. As it is not easy to solve these problems, we might as well depend on a basic mechanism.

The purpose of the FTA is to gradually eliminate tariff barriers between the three countries and strengthen trade, investment, finance and currency exchanges. This is the basis for regional economic integration in Asia, and the FTA is the cornerstone. It is also the fundamental thing that the three parties are most likely to push forward and can achieve results under the current political and economic circumstances.

China, Japan and South Korea have frequent economic and trade exchanges. In global trade, goods are not produced in a single country but assembled as part of a global value chain. The FTA can create smoother and more convenient conditions for customs clearance of raw materials, semi-finished products and logistics in the three nations. It will not only speed up the production chain but also help the formation of a larger market.

Although the three countries are competitors, and the competition sometimes gets intense, they have to increase cooperation and become more closely linked to expand the production chain to other Asian economies.

The three countries can capitalize on their comparative advantages, strengthen cooperation and extend their influence to new markets.

Although there are still many political, diplomatic and historical factors that may surface to hinder cooperation among the three countries, it may now be a perfect opportunity to transcend such barriers and look to new horizons.

Currently, the global economic and trade environment is undergoing significant changes, witnessing new trade protectionism and curbs. These rising tensions have not only hindered economic development but also restricted economic and trade progress. Therefore, the FTA will help promote economic growth in the region and play a more important role in building a new trade order.

Strategic changes often come from transcendence, and transcendence requires courage, more wisdom and keen insight. If the three countries can seize the opportunities and promote negotiations, Asia will find a way out of the post-war labyrinth and achieve the goal of "Asia for Asians."

The author is a senior editor at People's Daily and a senior fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China. dinggang@globaltimes.com.cn Follow him on Twitter at @dinggangchina

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1121035.shtml

@Cybernetics

 

[TaiShang]

Seoul’s diplomatic independence key to peninsula peace

By Wen Yi Source:Global Times Published: 2018/10/11


With tensions on the Korean Peninsula easing, Seoul is considering lifting some of its unilateral sanctions against its northern neighbor, according to South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha.

A close look at international media coverage of this issue would lead one to believe that it is easier said than done. Observers noted that the move may enlarge the rupture between Seoul and Washington or even result in a break in ties.

US President Donald Trump has already opposed the idea, saying, "They do nothing without our approval." This shows that the US, despite its geographical distance from the region, holds the key for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Nonetheless, this may be the biggest stumbling block to peacefully solving the nuclear crisis on the peninsula.

For a long time, South Korea has been in a subjective position in its alliance with the US and could barely exercise its diplomatic independence on the peninsula issue. The US also maintains South Korea's wartime operational control. Its over-reliance on the US does not help South Korea pull itself out of a security dilemma. Seoul has surrendered its initiative on the peninsula to Washington.

As the main stakeholder on the peninsula, South Korea does not have the capacity to shape its own interests, but has to follow the whims of the US. That is why South Korea had to respond to US displeasure during US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to the country. Pompeo expressed dissatisfaction with an agreement reached last month between the two Koreas to reduce conventional military threats between them.

Seoul needs peace on the peninsula much more than Washington, but Washington's policy toward the peninsula is based on its own interests, not Seoul's. If South Korea continues to follow the US, peace on the peninsula will rest entirely in the hands of the US.

South Korea's lack of diplomatic independence has also led to Chinese distrust, as Beijing opposes deployment of the US anti-missile system Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, touted as a security guarantee for South Korea. Nevertheless, the deployment fits the broader US strategic calculation to jeopardize China's interests. By paying heed to Washington's security concerns and binding itself to the Washington war chariot, Seoul has risked ruining its relations with Beijing.

South Korea has been bold about engaging with the North recently and the US should be supportive of these efforts for the sake of regional peace. The gradual withdrawal of US troops can be coordinated with the denuclearization and reunification process of the Korean Peninsula.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1122622.shtml

@Nan Yang

 

[TaiShang]

Dollar's Reserve Status Slumps to 5 Year Lows

Tyler Durden Fri, Oct 19, 2018 |

Treasury International Capital flows showed Brazil the biggest buyer of Treasurys in August (followed by Ireland and France), but it was China and 'ally' Japan that dumped the most Treasurys in the month...

Brazil is Steve Mnuchin's best friend...

As China reduced their holdings of US Treasurys for the 3rd straight month...

Japan flipped to a seller again in August back to the lowest holdings since October 2011...

And while the Saudis were buying in August...

the broad trend among other majors has been selling...

All of which has driven the USDollar's share of global central bank reserve to its lowest since 2013...

And, according to economist Zach Pandl at Goldman Sachs, Washington’s aggressive policy against Moscow could be the biggest driver behind the recent fall of the dollar’s share of global central-bank reserves, who noted that Russia’s Central Bank sold some $85 billion of its $150 billion holding of the US assets from April through June after the US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Russian businessmen, companies and government officials.

At the beginning of April,v
as RT reports, Washington expanded its anti-Russian sanction list, including seven Russian tycoons, 12 companies and 17 senior government officials over alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, and according to Pandl, the co-head of global FX and emerging-market strategy, the US policy of unilateral tariff hikes and sanctions is putting at risk the greenback that is still dominating the global currency reserves.

“The Central Bank of Russia likely sold a large portion of its dollar-denominated assets, and perhaps all of its US Treasuries held by US custodians, and transferred them to euro-denominated and yuan-denominated bonds in the second quarter,” the economist said.

“This would account for more than half of the decline in the share of dollar reserves during the quarter.”

According to the recent data revealed by the International Monetary Fund, share of the US national currency in the global central-bank reserves declined to 62.3 percent in the second quarter with holdings in the euro, yen and yuan gained as a share of allocated reserves.

“Sanction risk appears to explain a significant portion of the observed decline,” the analyst said.

“The dollar’s share of reserve assets could decline further if other large reserve holders were to make similar changes as the Central Bank of Russia over time.”

Remember, nothing last forever...

Source: Zero Hedge

 

[TaiShang]

The Tokyo Bay Area Development: Lessons to be Learned [for ZHM Area]

22 October 2018


The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area plan aims to bring together the three areas’ strengths and create an economic region comparable to those centred around New York, San Francisco and Tokyo. One of the major challenges facing those in charge of implementing the plan is how to get the various regional administrations involved to coordinate their policies and communicate effectively with each other.

Japan’s Tokyo Bay Area offers a useful comparison from which lessons can be learnt. The name is generally taken to refer to the area comprising Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa and four other surrounding prefectures (the “One Metropolis Seven Prefectures" definition). In area, this amounts to just a tenth of the country’s total land mass, but is home to 35% of its population and generates almost 40% of its GDP.

A narrower definition of what makes up the Tokyo Bay Area covers just Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa (the “One Metropolis Three Prefectures" definition). This smaller area still accounts for almost a third of Japan’s economic output.

A Brief History of Tokyo Bay Area’s Development

The development of the Tokyo Bay Area began under the Meiji Restoration in the late nineteenth century, when the city, formerly known as Edo, was renamed and restored to its former position as the country’s capital. Subsequent social, political and economic reforms, and the development of infrastructure including a national railway system and modern communications networks contributed to Japan’s rapid industrialization. The import of advanced technologies from Europe hastened the development of manufacturing industries such as textiles, steel and machinery processing. Many production facilities were built around Tokyo Bay to make access to the ports easier.

In the 1950s, the development of two industrial zones around the western and eastern coasts of Tokyo Bay helped the Japanese economy recover rapidly from the destruction caused by the Second World War. The Keihin Industrial Zone, on the western coast, consists of Tokyo, Kawasaki and Yokohama, and is a centre for precision machinery, publishing, printing and auto parts. The Keiyo Industrial Zone in the east which covers eight cities in the Chiba prefecture, specialises in electric power generation, and the petrochemical, petroleum, shipbuilding, modern logistics, shipping and steel industries. Combined with Tokyo’s resources in the areas of finance, R&D, and corporate headquarters, the two zones helped Japan become the world’s leading centre for advanced manufacturing.

However, the initial development of the Tokyo Bay Area was accompanied by a lack of planning and control. A consequence of this was the explosive population growth in central Tokyo and, alongside this, a huge increase in the size of the Bay Area through land reclamation. In 1958, Japan’s government put forward a plan for the National Capital Region to address the issues caused by this rapid urban expansion. Since then, five regional plans for the Tokyo Bay Area have been implemented.

Over the last 60 years, the national government has adopted a top-down, centralised approach to try to ensure that the region enjoys balanced growth and that the nation’s resources are efficiently allocated. At the same time, the region’s local authorities have established mechanisms such as joint committees to encourage coordination and communication between them and ensure that their policies for the development of the region are implemented smoothly and effectively. Japanese think tanks have also played an important role in these inter-governmental exchanges and communications. The Japan Project Industry Council, for example, has conducted research, provided policy recommendations and encouraged the exchange of ideas and information between industry, government and academics on matters such as disaster prevention, urban planning and regional planning.

Port Co-ordination

There are six ports in Tokyo Bay – Tokyo Port, Yokohama Port, Chiba Port, Kawasaki Port, Yokosuka Port and Kisarazu Port - which are all well connected with the region’s two international airports and high-speed railway network. Japan’s ports are all classified according to their function and importance. Under this classification, Tokyo Port, Yokohama Port and Kawasaki Port are International Container Hub Ports, the most important category; while Chiba Port, Yokosuka Port and Kisarazu Port are International Hub Ports, the second most important.

Japan’s Port and Harbor Law was enacted in 1950, laying the foundation for the country’s current port management system. Under the law, the central government’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) takes a leading role in the development of ports and harbors, and is responsible for the bulk of large-scale construction of public base facilities. The management of the ports is carried out by local governments or port authorities established by local governments (which can involve joint investment from private companies; there are no restrictions on foreign participation). The law also outlines how construction and maintenance costs for each type of port, business classification and facility will be divided between national government and the port management authorities.

Under the law, the MLIT is also charged with formulating an overall policy for the development, utilisation and preservation of the country’s ports, while the port management bodies must draw up a specific plan for each port. However, if the MLIT thinks it necessary, it may ask a port management body to revise its port plan, or recommend that separate port management bodies establish a joint committee to ease communication and coordination between them.

In 2008, the local governments in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kawasaki City, and Yokohama City agreed to promote further cooperation in order to reinforce the global competitiveness of their three ports (collectively called the Port of Keihin). They established the Keihin Partnership Council in 2009 as a joint committee designed to improve partnership and cooperation between the three, and in 2011, drew up the Comprehensive Keihin Port Plan. Under a 2014 revised version of this plan, each of the three ports divided up their roles and functions so as to take advantage of each one’s characteristics and existing facilities. Splitting up operations between them in this way is designed to maximise Keihin Port’s economic power and potential.

Lessons for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area (GHKM Bay Area) is more diverse than the Tokyo Bay Area in many ways. “One country, two systems", "three customs" and "four core cities" are often mentioned as some of its most distinctive features. That makes coordination the most challenging part of the Bay Area’s development plan. An effective coordination and communication mechanism needs to be established among the governments of the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions, and the nine Chinese mainland cities involved, along with the participation of industry, think-tanks and academics.

The Tokyo Bay Area’s experience in defining each port’s roles and functions shows how greater coordination between public facilities in the GHKM Bay Area may be desirable. A recent report by Hang Seng Management College proposed a model in which Hong Kong’s terminal operators collaborate and share their facilities. It is estimated that this would lead to a 49% decrease in the number of inter-terminal transfers at Hong Kong Port, which potentially could mean lower port charges, better customer service, reduced waiting times and costs, and less pollution. Collaboration could also help the major ports and airports in the GHKM Bay Area reduce unnecessary traffic, avoid competition and increase overall competitiveness.

https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/1x0afhxo/...=enews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hkmb-edm

@AndrewJin , @cirr , @Cybernetics , @Mista , @Nan Yang

As learned from the Japanese experience, what seems to be crucial for ZHM Area are:

1. Integration and coordination of functions, duties and comparative advantages

2. Adequate autonomy with the Beijing's top, central authority on the background, if required.

It seems that the greatest challenge to the area lies in the fact that the two are special regions.

See how the challenge will be tackled.

 

[TaiShang]

Ex-Japanese PM Hatoyama throws light on ways of improving ties with China

By Zhang Hui Source:Global Times Published: 2018/10/31


Former Japanese premier throws light on ways of improving ties with China

Editor's Note:

China's 40 years of reform and opening-up has not only changed its economy but also benefited the world and provided opportunities for international companies. Japan, a neighbor of China, gained considerably and is willing to further cooperate with China especially amid increasing protectionism. On the sidelines of an international conference on China's reform and opening-up, "China's 40 Years of Reform and Opening up: Implications for the World and Role of Hong Kong," which was held in Hong Kong on Monday, Global Times reporter Zhang Hui (GT) interviewed former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama (Hatoyama) through an interpreter to seek his views on China's reform and opening-up and Tokyo's cooperation with Beijing.

Yukio Hatoyama gives a speech at the conference in Hong Kong on Monday. Photo: Fan Lingzhi/GT

GT: When you first heard about the reform and opening-up, did you anticipate that China would undergo profound changes?

Hatoyama: When I heard about it, I just graduated from college 40 years ago. I realized that the relations between China and Japan would turn better after the two countries resumed diplomatic ties in 1972 and signed the treaty of peace and friendship in 1978.

Since then, China has undergone rapid development and now its GDP is nearly three times that of Japan.

I think no Japanese would anticipate such a great achievement made by China some 40 years ago.

GT: What was your impression when you first visited China?

Hatoyama: I first came to China in the early 1990s, and my first impression was that China had more bikes than cars. But the number of vehicles increased each time I visited China in the following years, which reflected China's steady and rapid development.
GT: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said recently that the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) had potential. Do you think it means that the Japanese government's attitude toward China-proposed BRI has changed?

Hatoyama: There is no doubt that Japan's attitude toward BRI has turned positive. Actually, large Japanese enterprises have expressed strong willingness to cooperate with China, but Abe had not been eager because of the "China threat theory." Moreover, Abe, who always puts together politics and economy, would not pursue economic cooperation with a country that has political disputes with Japan.

The Chinese market is very intriguing to many big Japanese enterprises, and Abe's recent remarks could be driven by these companies.

However, I believe that Japan has not been sufficiently cooperative. Japan should immediately join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) if it wants to fully devote itself to cooperation under BRI.

GT: What are Japan's concerns about joining the AIIB?

Hatoyama: Some officials in Japan's Ministry of Finance worry that the AIIB could be unfair to foreign countries, as it may take decisions that favor the Chinese side.

I have expressed such concerns to AIIB President Jin Liqun, he said that Japan would never get the chance of joining the AIIB if it is obsessed with such issues.

GT: You said that China and Japan should cooperate to counter US President Donald Trump's protectionism. Could you be more specific?

Hatoyama: Japan and China can cooperate to oppose US tariffs, but detailed cooperation needs more assessment by Japan and China as exports to the US from Japan are different from Chinese exports to the US.

GT: What would you say to US President Donald Trump if he sat in front of you?

Hatoyama: (Smiles) I may never have a chance to meet Trump face-to- face. But if I had the opportunity, I think protectionism could be a topic to talk about as it may lead to a trade war. I believe that the two countries should adopt more effective ways to avoid frictions.

I advocate the establishment of the East Asian Community (a proposed trade bloc) to enable its members to undertake free trade with each other. This could help find a balance between globalism and nationalism and is conducive to world peace.

Meanwhile, I would suggest Trump meet in person with the North Korean leader to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.

GT: Do you think the positive signs of economic cooperation between China and Japan would lead to a positive effect on political relations between the two countries?

Hatoyama: Personally, I hope that political relations can be improved through better economic relations. But Japan and China face some historical issues such as the Diaoyu Islands, the Nanjing Massacre and Yasukuni Shrine. And I have not yet seen any move by the Japanese government to resolve these issues.

I think the two countries will take measures to avoid confrontation and I expect the two governments to be determined to resolve these issues with better economic relations.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1125336.shtml

@Cybernetics , @long_

 

[TaiShang]

Japanese FM says willing to work with China on infrastructure in Pacific island countries

Source: Xinhua Published: 2018/11/15

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said here Thursday that Japan is willing to work with China on infrastructure projects, including in the Pacific island countries.

Kono, who is in Papua New Guinea to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting, told a press conference that Japan is willing to work with China on infrastructure projects.

Kono said Japan is open to broader cooperation with China.

"The idea of cooperation between Japan and China for third countries including the Pacific island countries is very welcome," he said.

As the second and third largest economies, China and Japan need to stand shoulder to shoulder to tackle global issues, "so this will be a good opportunity," said Kono, while he warned that the international free trade regime is under challenge.

Kono also recalled the recent visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to China, during which very good discussion was held between the leaders of the two countries.

"So I think there are a lot of opportunities to cooperate between the two countries, I am looking forward to that," he said.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1127572.shtml

 

[TaiShang]

Planned NE China's free trade port could help boost NK economy

Source:Global Times Published: 2019/1/8

Planned NE Asia free trade port could help boost NK economy

Visitors take pictures beside a bridge in Dandong, Northeast China's Liaoning Province in May 2018. Photo: VCG


A planned free trade port in Northeast China's Liaoning Province could offer abundant opportunities for North Korea as the country is striving to revitalize its troubled economy under heavy pressure from foreign sanctions, a Chinese analyst said on Tuesday.

Economic cooperation between the two neighbors is likely on top of the agenda in meetings between Chinese leaders and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, who arrived in Beijing on Monday for a four-day official visit, the analyst noted.

As Kim's arrival in Beijing garnered global attention, officials at the China (Liaoning) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) are exploring the option of setting up a free trade port in the province this year to make Shenyang, capital of Liaoning, into a regional hub for Northeast Asia, the Liaoning Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday.

While news of the free trade port does not explicitly involve North Korea, it could potentially become a focal point in economic cooperation between China and North Korea once obstacles, including UN sanctions, are cleared, according to Lü Chao, a research fellow with the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences.

"This is particularly significant because it could link China, North Korea and South Korea as well as the entire Northeast Asian region together and boost economic cooperation," Lü told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Details of the free trade port were unclear in the Liaoning Daily report, but the overall goal of the Liaoning FTZ, which was launched in 2017, is to connect countries in the Northeast Asian region, including North Korea and South Korea. Setting up a free trade port is part of the upgrade of the FTZ.

"With a free trade port, there's no doubt that economic cooperation between Liaoning and North Korea will be elevated," said Lü. But he said economic cooperation with North Korea should be in line with sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council over the country's nuclear program.

"Much of [the cooperation] is still in the discussion phase. But given a series of recent positive signs, we are hopeful that the sanctions will be lifted and economic cooperation will be the focus," he said.

Before departing for Beijing, Kim, in a speech to mark the new year, said that his country is committed to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and is also willing to further build relationships with the US and South Korea, according to the Xinhua News Agency on January 1.

Kim said he is open to another summit with US President Donald Trump, who has confirmed that his administration was setting up a second meeting. Kim's visit to Beijing is also viewed as part of his preparations for the second summit with Trump.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1135072.shtml

 

[TaiShang]

Unstable political relations between China and some Western nations drive Chinese tourists to neighboring nations


By Xie Jun Source:Global Times Published: 2019/1/16

Tourists, including some from China, wear kimonos in Kyoto, Japan in December 2017. Photo: VCG


Chinese tourists are not only flocking to neighboring countries like Japan and Thailand, but have shown loyalty to their favorite destinations with repeat visits and in-depth travel, as unstable political relations between China and some Western countries have dampened desire for more distant journeys.

Major domestic travel service providers are seeing a big uptick in demand for neighboring countries. Data sent by online travel provider Ctrip to the Global Times on Wednesday shows that Bangkok and Tokyo are the top two overseas travel destinations for Chinese travelers, with Seoul and the Thai island of Phuket snapping at their heels. Data released by Lvmama also shows that in 2018, Chinese tourists favored surrounding countries like Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Russia.

Data provided by China Spring Tour showed that they hosted some 380,000 Chinese tourists on organized tours to Thailand in 2018, compared with about 350,000 the previous year. Travel to South Korea had also rebounded in the second half of 2018 as political tensions started to dissolve, the company disclosed.

Overall, Chinese tourists made 140 million visits to overseas countries and regions in 2018, up by 13.5 percent year-on-year, according to recent data released by the China Tourism Academy.

In-depth travel

Chinese tourists are also showing a trend for making repeat visits for more comprehensive trips to nearby destinations for specialized sightseeing and activities, a very encouraging sign in the eyes of industry insiders.

Yu, a Shanghai-based white-collar worker, made a five-day trip in December to Hakon and Kamakura, two relative niche travel destinations in Japan. It was her third trip to Japan in recent years after she visited more popular destinations like Osaka and Kyoto.

For Yu, repeated visits allowed her to have a more comprehensive look at the country instead of just routine sightseeing. During this tour to Kamakura, she took some time to visit Kamakura station, a scene from the Japanese animation Slam Dunk, popular among her generation, which was born after 1980.

Yu, who does not have very long holidays, said a quick trip to Japan is like a convenient respite in her life. "If I have longer holidays, I would consider longer trips to more distant areas like northern Europe. But under current conditions, Japan is a very attractive destination to me with its convenience, its short distance from China, and the diversity of the attractions it offers to tourists."

The Global Times has observed such "in-depth" tours of China's neighboring countries have become increasingly popular among domestic tourists. One Shanghai-based tourist, for example, traveled to Russia last year and visited the graves of several well-known Russian writers in a kind of cultural pilgrimage.

"There is a growing trend for people to visit less well-known spots in neighboring countries for some special and even personal reasons, like trying certain sports, tasting a certain type of food, seeing special natural scenery and so forth. I, for example, plan to visit Japan's Kagawa this March which is very famous for udon noodles. This trend was hard to imagine just 10 years ago," Zhou Weihong, deputy general manager of China Spring Tour, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

According to Zhou, China's economic slowdown has pushed many tourists to embrace budget travel which gives more bang for their buck as the cost of regional travel has reduced. "For example, the cost of a ticket to Hokkaido in Japan has reduced by about half in price in recent years, which is very attractive to domestic travelers, whether individuals or companies that are looking for suitable places for teambuilding," Zhou said.

Shift from Western countries

Experts have also noted that the unstable political relations China has with some Western countries had led to a shift in travel appetites.

Zhou noted that since mid-2018, the rate of tourist visa rejection has increased a lot in the US for Chinese tourists, while some air routes also being canceled between the two countries.

She also noted that political fluctuations, like the yellow vest campaign in certain European countries, have caused some Chinese tourists to hesitate over their travel plans to those places.

Yang Yong, dean of the School of Tourism at East China Normal University, stressed to the Global Times that despite the travel appetite shift, China's overall demand for overseas tourism will be robust, and tourism will be a strong growth point for the domestic economy.
Newspaper headline: Tourists flock to neighboring countries

 

[TaiShang]

Japan - Made in China?

Sino-Japanese relations took off in the later years of Taizong’s reign, when Kotoku took the throne in 645. Known by his regal name Taika, the ruler launched a reform of the same name. With a mind to restructuring and formalizing the Japanese state and economy, the purpose of the emperor’s reform was to learn from and institute the political and legal workings of the Tang Dynasty.

Kotoku’s reform lasted five years and ended the previous Asuka period of Japanese history that had begun in the fourth century. In the following two decades, Japan dispatched over a dozen diplomatic missions to China to study the ways of the Tang Dynasty. Such delegations, consisting of hundreds of monks, scholars, architects, and artisan women in addition to official diplomats, visited legendary relics, learned the classics, and brought back with them to Japan invaluable knowledge.

Mainstream Japanese society quickly adopted the cultural, spiritual, and scientific imports. A fine example is the spread of classical Chinese language and poetry. The Japanese had written using Chinese characters, called kanji in Japan, for centuries before the Tang, but the introduction of definitive Chinese works such as the “Classic of Poetry” (Shijing), the “Selections of Refined Literature,” and “New Odes of the Jade Terrace” produced a typhoon of interest.

The popularization of Chinese verse among Japan’s literate elites influenced the development of Waka poetry and other Japanese forms of literary work. In 751, an unknown compiler put together the Kaifuso, a collection of 120 poems by 64 authors writing in the styles found in China’s Six Dynasties and Tang era. The works include odes to the moon, Chinese plum, the chrysanthemum flower (now the symbol of the Japanese emperor), snow, drinking, and Buddhist and Taoist spiritual cultivation.

Kotoku’s decisions also directly influenced the development of the Japanese state. In 700, senior ministers who had studied in China or were the descendants of those sent to China received orders to create the Taiho Code. These laws, the oldest body of legal literature in Japan, were inspired by those implemented under the Tang Chinese and fully promulgated in 702.

Kyoto, the traditional seat of the Japanese emperor prior to being replaced by Tokyo in the 1800s, was planned and built with the same rectangular layout and architectural style as the Tang capital at Chang’an. In both cities, the imperial palace was located due north—considered an auspicious position for the monarch or familial patriarch, for it symbolized the North Star.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/how-japan-got-its-name-and-ot…

Just so you know, the most prominent surname in Korea is Kim - or 金 in Chinese - which means Gold.

Pyramids are known in China as 金字塔 - towers resembling the word 金

I believe most Koreans are still able to recognize their surnames in Chinese.

“Han Zi” - the written language of the Han Chinese - is known in Japan as “Kanji” - which is still used widely today in the everyday lives of the Japanese.

And for centuries if not millennium, it was officially used for communication in the Korean Peninsula, and Vietnam, whose history was first recorded in Chinese writing.

Along with Confucian teachings which promoted institutional meritocracy, it was the “lingua franca”, among the literati and academia, in East Asia.

Not jingoism, just solidly backed East Asian cultural history - to which we should be comfortable enough to face up honestly with academic integrity - in case you are interested.

Don’t you agree?

Basically, Japan is far more confident - in terms of acknowledging its ancient Chinese cultural influence - probably because China has no record of invading Japan.

Both Korea and Vietnam had been invaded, and occupied by the Chinese empire, explaining the sensitivity.

I think Western colonization is the defining moment in history - that completely changed public opinions around the world.

The sociopolitical and cultural concepts are no longer the same....

Chinese is still the 2nd most popular foreign language in Korea - which has decided to completely abolish the use of the traditional Han Chinese writing system - in favor of its own later alphabetical invention.

Vietnam is perhaps the most sensitive to any mention of Chinese cultural influence - due largely to modern geopolitics - and the concept of nation statehood.

But the fact being, Chinese cultural influences in Vietnam (and Korea and Japan) extended far beyond just the writing system.

Archaeological evidence has however proven the existence of other civilization/s along the Yangtze.

Yellow river to the north; Yangtze to the South:

The south is known to be socioeconomically rich with vibrant cultures.

The north serves more as China’s center of political power.

***

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/jap...UOrGOGLm4&_branch_match_id=619338966695455999

 

[TaiShang]

China to accelerate negotiations on regional trade pact: official

By Shang Kaiyuan (People's Daily) 09:51, March 12, 2019

Officials with China’s Ministry of Commerce attend a press conference on China's domestic market and all-round opening-up for the second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, March 9, 2019. (Photo from People’s Daily Online)

Chinese official promised on March 9 that the country is ready to accelerate the negotiations progress on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the trade agreement between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

In the government work report delivered at the second session of 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China includes trade and investment liberalization and facilitation into its prior missions for 2019, and also lists the two agreements as sub-tasks.

It reveals the importance Chinese government attaches to the two pacts, as well as its support for progress from the negotiations, Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen told a press conference on the sidelines of the annual legislative session.

Describing RCEP as an agreement of great significance, Wang said that putting the negotiations high on their agendas, the 16 members envision to reach a comprehensive, high-quality, mutually beneficial and modern free trade agreement.

They represent 48 percent of the entire global population and contribute to around 30 percent of the world's GDP and trade, he added.

At a summit on RCEP held in Singapore last November, participating leaders of the members agreed to keep up with their efforts so as to clinch the deal at an early date, in a belief that talks on the pact have reached the final stage.

China supports the ASEAN’s leading role in the talks, and hopes Thailand, as this year’s rotating chair, could push the RCEP negotiations for further progress, Wang said.

He said China will hold a subsequent meeting this July, when over 700 representatives from other 15 members will come to China and discuss on technical issues including entry permits for commodities, services and investment.

China is making active efforts for a consensus on the three agendas among all sides, Wang said.

He expounded that consensus has been reached on seven of the 15 chapters under the agreement, and China will work on consultations on the unfinished ones among involved sides.

China, Japan and the ROK aim to reach a free trade agreement with unique value, Wang said, describing it as a “RCEP+” version as the three sides expect more favorable policies than RCEP pact in accession permits of goods, services and investment.

After the delegates from the three countries met in Beijing last December, they will hold three meetings this year to speed up the talks, said the vice minister, adding that the next round of consultations will start soon in Japan.

China looks forward to, together with Japan and the ROK, work on an early conclusion of the negotiations, in order to facilitate regional economy integration, free trade and investment, he said.

RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement between the 10 member states of the ASEAN and the six Asia-Pacific states with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements - Australia, China, India, Japan, the ROK and New Zealand.

http://en.people.cn/n3/2019/0312/c90000-9555276.html

 

[TaiShang]

30 million plus annual tourism in NEA sub-region.

 

[TaiShang]

What kind of Asia do we need in the new world order?

By Wang Xiaonan - 15-Apr-2019

In the Book of Rites, a classic of the Confucian canon, when a man turns 20, his parents would hold a capping ceremony for him – a rite of passage symbolizing his entrance into adulthood. Kong Xuanyou, China's vice foreign minister, related this metaphor to the two decades of cooperation among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

As the trio celebrates its 20th anniversary of the trilateral cooperation mechanism, how far will it come in fostering regional integration amid a volatile global geopolitical landscape? It's right now at a crossroads, where it either continues adapting to multifaceted pressures, or risk fragmentation.


History of the trilateral cooperation

The extensive cooperative mechanism, borne out of the ASEAN Plus Three, has leaders' meetings at its core, along with 21 ministerial meetings and over 70 working-level consultations, Kong Xuanyou, also the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsula, said at a recent seminar in honor of the 20th anniversary. It has allowed China, Japan and the ROK to weather two financial crises, as well as facilitated negotiations on free trade zones and cultural projects, Kong added.

Kong Xuanyou, China's vice foreign minister, at the seminar on the 20th anniversary of China-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation in Beijing, China, April 12, 2019. /Courtesy of China Foreign Affairs University

Zhang Yunling, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute for International Studies, concurred, noting that cooperation in East Asia truly began with tackling the financial crisis in 1997. As such, the mechanism has been integral to regional peace and prosperity.

The trilateral summit, which made a belated debut in 2008, undoubtedly allows a more effective approach to regional issues involving economy and security. Of course, the economic might of the three countries resonates far beyond the region.

Nagano Shinichiro, a professor with Daito Bunka University noted at Friday's seminar that the three countries take up about one fifth of global GDP and 18 percent of worldwide trade volume, and together make up the world's largest market. Moreover, their respective industrial chains are intertwined, and the trade volume among them exceed 700 billion U.S. dollars.

Xinhua Photo


What hinders East Asian integration?

As regional contact becomes more frequent, the number of issues among the three countries has increased as well. As China, Japan and the ROK are at different stages of economic development, they will undoubtedly have conflicting interpretations of what's the best for their respective countries.

Lee Tai-hwan, senior fellow at the Sejong Institute and president of Korea-China ThinkNet noted that in the midst of a new industrial revolution, these issues span the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, and 5G.

The region should touch on issues of politics and security, but so far has been unsuccessful in doing so because of the disparity in relations among the countries, especially that the ROK and Japan remain under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

Even though the cooperation has reached a certain scale, there are differences in historical interpretation, maritime territorial disputes and so forth. Lee suggested that issues concerning regional cooperation and strategy, which have all along been hindered by these divisions, be explored.

As for this impasse, Zhang thinks that the "unique thing about cooperation in East Asia is that it is predicated on a common ideal." However, this ideal lacks constructive consensus." Namely, what is an East Asian community? Is it like the EU, the ASEAN, or something else entirely?

From left: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and ROK President Moon Jae-in attend a trilateral summit in Tokyo, Japan, May 9, 2018. /Getty Images


Comparing East Asia with European integration

Regional integration is difficult because it attempts to bring together sovereign entities that have differing, sometimes competing, interests, not to mention possible historical conflicts.

Shinichiro looks to history for a case of successful integration – the European Union (EU). He recounted how the EU had its roots in the European Coal and Steel Community, an organization formed in 1952 after World War II. It was initially intended to resolve disputes between France and Germany over coal and iron ore mines along border regions.

After the idea to form this organization was put forward by French political economist Jean Monnet, the grouping started out with six nations including Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Over time, it grew to become the EU we know today.

The EU comprises many members that have had points of friction throughout history. They are no strangers to the numerous wars and disputes fought throughout the millennia. As such, the nations experimented with various paths to peace, Shinichiro stated at the seminar co-hosted by China Foreign Affairs University and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat.

Similarly, there exist territorial disputes among China, Japan and the ROK as well as the tensions due to the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula. Is there a clear path for East Asia as well?

The seminar on the 20th anniversary of China-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation held in Beijing, China, April 12, 2019. /Courtesy of China Foreign Affairs University


Need for common philosophy in East Asia

East Asia is not self-contained, so it faces external and internal pressures. With U.S. President Donald Trump touting his mantra of "America First," Washington is essentially abdicating its leadership of the post-WWII global order.

Shinichiro suggested that countries in East Asia step up to bear the responsibility of promulgating a system that upholds common existence and cooperation in the 21st century.

Amidst this uncertainty in a turbulent global landscape, Li Xiao, director of Jilin University's school of economics, said that the economic cycles between the U.S. and Asia are growing further apart.

Since the U.S.'s Federal Reserve is concerned with domestic employment, it has not considered how inflation will bring about a significant impact on Asia. Therefore, there should be further cooperation among East Asian countries. For instance, China can join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, also known as TPP11, before the U.S. pulls back, he told CGTN.

However, "The loss of a grand vision is the problem we face in East Asia today. Exploring cooperation on an equal footing under new historical conditions proves rather a spiny issue," Li stated, encouraging the neighbors to seek a common philosophy uniting the East Asian region.

More importantly, to foster greater connectivity among China, Japan and the ROK, it must foster a strong identity, which could begin by asking, "What kind of Asia do we need?"

https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d674e3051444d34457a6333566d54/index.html

@Dungeness , @long_ , @Raphael , @+4vsgorillas-Apebane , @powastick , @Nan Yang , @Mista , @rambro , @Marine Rouge

ASEAN's centrality in CJK regionalism is very obvious.

 

[TaiShang]

Will positive power prevail over downside in Northeast Asian cooperation?

Updated 09:50, 13-May-2019
By Zeng Ziyi

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the trilateral cooperation among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Born out of the ASEAN Plus Three, the cooperation among the most affluent Northeast Asian nations has evolved into an extensive cooperation mechanism. The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat came into being in 2011 to govern the collaboration on a fluid global landscape.

At the opening ceremony of the International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation 2019 in Beijing on Friday, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked about the steady progress that has been achieved in the cooperation. A total of 21 ministerial meetings and over 70 working-level consultations have been working closely on a land blighted by historical disputes and modern-day conundrums.

CGTN reporters sat down with the Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, Lee Jeong-heon (Lee), to discuss issues ranging from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to the Korean Peninsula scenario.

CGTN: What do you think of China's concept of building "a community with a shared future for mankind"? Can it will help promote trilateral cooperation among the three nations?

Lee: China announced the highly ambitious vision of the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st-Century Maritime Silk Road." I believe that it aims to synergize development strategies of various countries and strengthen international cooperation for shared prosperity in Asia, Europe and beyond. The ROK is also pursuing its own Northeast Asia-plus community of responsibility, New Southern Policy, and recently, East Asia Railway Community. Japan has deployed its own global diplomacy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

I sincerely hope that the three countries can eventually formulate some common, grand strategy by complementing each other to maximize their great potential, yet to be tapped, to the fullest. I also hope that this kind of joint and concerted effort will help to fill the missing link in the Belt and Road Initiative by extending to both (South) Korea and Japan.

The 17th Exchange Conference of Friendship Cities among China, Japan and Korea in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, October 13, 2015. /VCG Photo

CGTN: You once mentioned top-down, bottom-up approach to beefing up the trilateral cooperation, could you elaborate on that?

Lee: I believe that in order to push forward the trilateral cooperation in a sustainable way, we need a top-down approach, as well as a bottom-up approach. As far as the top-down approach is concerned, if you look at the map of the Northeast Asia region, we realize that this region has never experienced a permanent multilateral consultative mechanism, not only to deal with issues of common interest, but also to address recent conflicts among neighboring countries.

Without the political support and commitment from top leaders, it is really difficult to maintain the momentum for trilateral cooperation. As far as the bottom-up approach is concerned, as you know, the three countries are located very closely to each other. Due to this kind of geographical proximity, and common cultural background, people have gotten closer and closer.

The last 20 years have witnessed more people-to-people, social and cultural exchanges, as well as economic interdependence. Nobody can stop this kind of trend. I believe that in order to take trilateral cooperation one step further, it is necessary to combine this "top-down, bottom-up" approach.

CGTN: The aggregate GDP of China, Japan and the ROK accounts for around 90 percent of that of Northeast Asia, exceeding that of the EU. But their economic integration level is far lower than that of the EU. What are the main factors preventing them from integrating? Do the history of regional wars and territorial disputes still play a significant role in this?

Lee: As everything has a dark and a bright side, I believe that the trilateral cooperation also has two aspects. As far as the positive side is concerned, geographical proximity, cultural similarity, and some necessity for cooperation (exist), because they are very close to each other. When something happens in one country, the other two countries can be affected. As far as the negative side is concerned, such as historical issue, territorial dispute, but fundamentally they are due to different geopolitical perspectives, strong sense of rivalry, or hegemony power struggle in this region.

When we compare the positive and negative forces at this moment, we have to admit that unfortunately, the negative forces prevail over the positive. But we should not be discouraged so much, because the positive forces are very resilient and irrevocable. So when we continue to accumulate the positive forces, and some day transcend this positive force, making paradigm shift possible, some day (we can move from) mistrust and confrontation to trust and cooperation.

VCG Photo

CGTN: It seems that China, the ROK and Japan can cooperate only in the economic realm given that Tokyo and Seoul are under Washington's nuclear umbrella. So to what extent can they cooperate in trade? Is an FTA feasible?

Lee: The three countries are working very hard to conclude FTA negotiations as soon as possible. The ultimate goal of successfully concluding trilateral FTA is to achieve really comprehensive, mutually beneficial, and high-level (result). But the three countries have different perspectives depending on the development of their economy. Recently, the three countries completed 15 rounds of negotiations. So it may take time but the three countries will eventually conclude the long-standing negotiations.

CGTN: Can the three countries find a way to address the decades-long conundrum on the Korean Peninsula?

Lee: It is really amazing to witness how the security environment in Northeast Asia surrounding the Korean Peninsula has shifted in such a short period of time, from a highly possible military confrontation to a peaceful dialogue and reconciliation process.

Some pessimists or down-to-Earth realists tend to focus on the denuclearization process, saying that the devil is always in the details. The optimists believe that sooner or later, they are going to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. So it is necessary to harmonize these different perspectives. We should be the realistic-optimists. We should not lose sight of the big picture. The ultimate goal of trilateral cooperation is to achieve peace, stability and prosperity among the three countries and beyond.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414e7a496a4e34457a6333566d54/index.html

@Dungeness, @powastick

 

[Suika]

Izumo and Murasame heading out to the SCS on April 29th.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1123054238009921536

From May 3rd to May 9th, JS Izumo and JS Murasame conducted joint-training from the waters near Kyushu down to the South China Sea with USS William P. Lawrence, BRP Andres Bonifacio, INS Kolkata, and INS Shakti.

https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201905/20190509.pdf
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/1...apan-and-india-navies-sail-in-south-china-sea
https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News...ther-in-south-china-sea/#.XNOGkwe_KGw.twitter
https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2...hrough-south-china-sea-4-nation-flotilla.html

 

[TaiShang]

12th China-Northeast Asia Expo to debut 5G pavilion

Xinhua | Updated: 2019-06-02

CHANGCHUN — A 5G-themed pavilion will make its debut at the 12th China-Northeast Asia Expo to be held from August 23 to 27 in Changchun, capital city of Northeast China's Jilin province.

The pavilion will showcase cutting-edge technologies in the Internet of Things, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, as well as the latest scientific and technological achievements and applications in the new era of 5G, according to a government press conference Friday.

Industry leaders from home and abroad including Huawei, ZTE, FAW and Nokia will display information and communications technologies, intelligent transport and system solutions.

This year's expo, with a total exhibition area of 70,000 square meters, will have five other pavilions with themes ranging from northeast China revitalization and imported merchandise to healthcare product and services.

The first China-Japan-ROK Entrepreneur Summit will also be held during the five-day event.

Since its first launch in 2005, the expo has attracted more than 700,000 merchants and 7,000 exhibitors from over 130 countries and regions and serves as a platform to promote economic and trade exchanges and cooperation in the Northeast Asia region.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201906/02/WS5cf30e9da3104842260bf078.html