The cooperation blueprint inked by China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Sunday is a landmark event that will facilitate stronger trilateral ties and boost regional economic integration.

The agreement, signed by leaders of the three East Asian countries in ROK's Jeju Island, provides a robust compass for the three to navigate their relationship in a stable and healthy manner over the next 10 years.

The trio has pledged to work more closely in such areas as the economy, security, environmental protection and cultural exchanges.

To harmonize their positions on issues of common concern, the three nations have decided to set up a trilateral co-operation secretariat in the ROK next year.

They have also pledged to conclude a joint feasibility study to explore the possibility of a trilateral free trade agreement, by 2012.

The three regional powers, which form about 70 percent of Asia's economy, are showing strong recovery momentum this year following the global downturn.

With the world economy still in tatters, enhanced economic and trade ties among the trio are expected to drive regional economic development and contribute to world economic recovery.

While the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) bears the brunt of regional economic integration, the trio's cooperation with the trade group, under the framework of ASEAN+3, has been successful in recent years. Stronger ties among the three will also give impetus to East Asian integration.

China maintains good neighborly relations with Japan and ROK. The tripartite meeting, an annual event rotated among the three countries since 2006, serves as an important platform for the three nations to build trust and expand common ground.

Sunday's fruitful meeting is a display of political consensus that will elevate their partnership to a new level, lead to sustainable economic growth, and regional peace and stability.

(China Daily 05/31/2010 page8)