China Reconsiders Position Against Natural Gas Project With Japan

China reportedly has agreed to resume talks with Japan on a joint natural gas exploration project in the East China Sea that had stalled due to conflicts arising from territorial disputes in the waters. The reversal comes after Tokyo's decision to participate in the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership as well as the U.S. plan of re-engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. China hopes that engaging in bilateral talks over territorial disputes with its neighbors will alleviate tensions in its periphery — even as the United States plans to increase its involvement in the region.