China, Japan and South Korea to revive FTA talks

Sources say Beijing is prepared to discuss the overproduction and subsidy issues

South Korea, Japan and China announced in November 2012 that they would begin the negotiations. But progress has stalled since the 16th round was held in November 2019. (Source photos by Nikkei)

HIROYUKI AKIYAMA, Nikkei staff writer

May 27, 2024 05:01 JST

TOKYO -- Japan, South Korea and China are set to agree on resuming free trade agreement negotiations -- which have been on pause since 2019 -- when their leaders meet Monday, Nikkei has learned.

Japan will demand that China curb subsidies and preferential treatment for state-owned enterprises that lead to overproduction, as well as strict e-commerce-related practices that could hamper so-called data free flow with trust.