Valdai Club

What has uplifted the international audience to the hope of peace and stability has in a moment turned into a puzzling, radical landslide into a rhetorical confrontation and following tension. After the initial shock, both leaders stressed they were ready and willing to hold the summit if conditions are met. However slim, there still is a chance for negotiation; the cancellation would not necessarily wipe out all the elements of rapprochement and lead up to the resumed hostility.

The May 9 meeting of the leaders of China, Japan and South Korea demonstrates how coordination problems, diverging agendas, and concerns about defections and relative gains can impede joint action even when countries share important common interests.