Japan, China, and Korea FTA discussion working on despite territorial dispute

The senior officials meeting to discuss Japan, China and Korea trilateral FTA was held on September 27, 2012 in Seoul, Korea.  This meeting was working level consultation for preparation of possible trilateral FTA which was agreed to start negotiation in May 2012 in summit meeting of three countries.

Although Japan is in midst of territorial dispute with China and Korea, economic cooperation development looks like being treated as different matter, the FTA preparation meeting took place as scheduled.  At this point of time, the trilateral FTA negotiation will go forward, at least not stopping, and expecting the announcement of FTA negotiation start by the end of 2012.

(Source:  http://www.meti.go.jp/press/2012/09/20120928003/20120928003.html )