europe.chinadaily.com.cn
Declining Trade Among China, Japan, and South Korea Underscores Need for Trilateral FTA
Intensifying geopolitical rivalry has decreased trade among China, Japan, and South Korea by 13.5 percent from 2021 to 2024, impacting regional cooperation, while the potential benefits of a trilateral free trade agreement highlight its necessity for regional stability and supply chain security.
- What is the immediate impact of the declining trade among China, Japan, and South Korea on regional cooperation and global supply chains?
- From 2021 to 2024, intra-regional trade among China, Japan, and South Korea decreased by 13.5 percent, dropping from $850 billion to $737 billion. This decline, particularly evident in Japan-South Korea trade (down 7.8 percent to $77.9 billion in 2024), highlights weakening regional cooperation.
- How do the economic strengths and weaknesses of China, Japan, and South Korea within the RCEP framework influence the necessity of a trilateral FTA?
- The declining trade reflects intensifying global geopolitical rivalry, impacting the three nations' trilateral cooperation. However, their combined economic strength (24 percent of global GDP and 40 percent of global manufacturing in 2024) makes a trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) crucial for regional stability and supply chain security.
- What are the long-term implications of a high-standard China-Japan-South Korea FTA for regional economic integration and the broader global trade architecture?
- Accelerating the China-Japan-South Korea FTA is imperative. Prioritizing emerging issues like the digital and green economies, and improving standards, could create a regional growth pole, bolster the RCEP, and potentially bridge the gap between RCEP and CPTPP, fostering a larger Asia-Pacific free trade area. Increased service trade, particularly in sectors like healthcare and entertainment, also presents significant opportunities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article consistently frames the proposed FTA in a positive light, highlighting potential economic gains and regional stability. The headline (if any) and introduction would likely emphasize these benefits, potentially overshadowing any potential challenges or complexities. The repeated use of positive language like "resilient", "certainty", and "win-win" reinforces this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and promotional, using terms like "imperative," "immense growth opportunities," and "critical step." While not overtly biased, the lack of balanced language contributes to the overall positive framing. More neutral language could be used, such as 'important' instead of 'imperative' and 'significant opportunities' instead of 'immense growth opportunities'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the economic benefits of a trilateral free trade agreement between China, Japan, and South Korea, but omits discussion of potential drawbacks or downsides. There is no mention of potential negative impacts on domestic industries or consumers in any of the three countries. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, the complete lack of counterarguments weakens the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the situation, framing the choice as either accelerating the FTA or facing continued decline in regional cooperation. More nuanced approaches or alternative solutions are not explored.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the potential for increased GDP growth (0.4% to 1.1%) in China, Japan, and South Korea through a trilateral free trade agreement. This would stimulate economic activity and create jobs, directly contributing to SDG 8. Furthermore, the emphasis on regional supply chain security and cooperation in industrializing ASEAN nations promotes sustainable economic growth and decent work across the region.