In this Op-Ed in China Daily, "FTA pushes ASEAN ties," an associate professor at the School of International Studies of Nanjing University had these interesting statistics about the trade volume between China and ASEAN countries: A much-anticipated free trade area (FTA) between China and the regional bloc was formally launched in early 2010, which, with a $4.5 trillion trade … [Read more...] about China – ASEAN trade increased 55%, expected to top $250billion in 2010
Asian Union
China Daily reports, “Japan apologizes for annexation of Korean Peninsula”
China Daily recently reported, "Japan apologizes for annexation of Korean Peninsula." I think this is a responsible move on Japan's part. It is a step forward in reconciliation. Some people argue unless the Japanese take full responsibility for their past atrocities, warming of relations with Japan should not be allowed. That is backwards. I have always said in the past, … [Read more...] about China Daily reports, “Japan apologizes for annexation of Korean Peninsula”
Xinhua: "China-ASEAN free trade area starts operation"
When I started following the China-ASEAN free trade agreement few years ago, I knew they were on an accelerated pace, and I knew this day would come. This is such an awesome start for 2010! I have no doubt ASEAN+China will eventually extend to ASEAN+China+Japan+Korea. Here is Xinhua's report, "China-ASEAN free trade area starts operation": … [Read more...] about Xinhua: "China-ASEAN free trade area starts operation"
China-ASEAN Free Trade Area on schedule
According to a Xinhua report, the 6th China-ASEAN Expo is being held in Nanning, Guangxi province, Oct 20 - Oct 24th. I have mentioned in the past, that Asia is underway to form its own free trade zone like the E.U.. (For material goods,) the article says China-ASEAN Free Trade will commence in 2010 - which is on schedule. More details: China-ASEAN FTA to be completed in … [Read more...] about China-ASEAN Free Trade Area on schedule
Xinhua: "China, Japan, ROK pledge to advance all-round partnership"
In my prior post about Japan's new Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama's opinion piece on the NYT, I was encouraged by Hatoyama's view of an Asian Union. This is an interesting trend I encourage our readers to follow. Xinhua reported Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and ROK Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Yu Myung Hwan has met in … [Read more...] about Xinhua: "China, Japan, ROK pledge to advance all-round partnership"