Chinese perspectives on building an East Asian Community in the 21th century CHEN YANZHU 2013R041-6

The author: Wu Xinbo 吴心伯 Prof. Wu is Professor Deputy Director at the Center for American Studies and Associate Dean at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University. This chapter presents a Chinese perspective on some major questions regarding Asian Integration.

Outlines The evolution of China’s attitude toward regional multilateralism Chinese views on east Asian community building Chinese views on the U.S. role in Asia Looking ahead: the future security architecture in Asia

Part I The evolution of China’s attitude toward regional multilateralism Starts with APEC in 1991 APEC was founded in 1989 with a mandate to promote the liberalization of trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Because APEC was perceived to serve China’s economic development agenda. A sense of belonging to a broader Asia-Pacific region, as well as a sense of participating in regional economic cooperation. Tougher test for China- ARF (in 1994, promotes regional security) Two concerns: -the possibility of U.S., Japan and even the southeast Asia countries employ ARF to check and contain China -the possibility of internationalization of disputed territorial issues in the South China Sea. Neither happened! A useful forum to promote security dialogue and cooperation among member countries. And South China Sea issue was not brought to ARF agenda

Background by the Asian Crisis in 1997/1998, ASEAN plus Three and ASEAN plus China -Concerted efforts based on substantive economic cooperation among regional members stand as the best way to deal with future challenges -By leading money to crisis-stricken countries such as Thailand and Indonesia and be refraining from depreciating its currency as a way to offset the pressure from crisis, China made a contribution to stabilize the crisis situation Reinforced with subtle but steady adjustments in China’s diplomacy In 1990s, major powers, e.g. United States In the late 1990s and early 2000s, ties with neighboring countries gains increasing importance

SCO was founded in 2001, Shanghai Cooperation Organization the SCO stands out as the first multilateral institution that China ever sponsored. Jointed WTO in And the idea of a China-ASEAN Free Trade Area aware of the anxiety in Southeast Asia, Beijing began to view expanded economic cooperation as a way to mitigate ASEAN’s concern and try to create a win-win situation. Involvement in Korean Peninsula affairs since the late 1990s also coincided with its growing interest in multilateralism. four-party talks to six party talks Conclusion: Beijing see regional multilateralism as a useful instrument to enhance China’s economic, political and security interests.

Part II Chinese views on East Asian community building In china, the mainstream opinion is that if an East Asian community is to be realized, it should be a comprehensive cooperation mechanism that comes out of a gradual process of regional economic, political, and security cooperation. A gradual process: East Asia Summit (EAS ) Frustrated with non East Asian countries’ joining and also EAS wound be hosted only by ASEAN members. Was a simply another APEC-style organization. APT Provides an important framework to promote regional economic cooperation at multiple levels. Also helps improve political relations among regional members. Finally, building a community encompassing thirteen East Asian countries in definitely a daunting task, but creating a community that includes non-East Asia countries will be more difficult.

APEC APEC’s timetable for the realization of free trade and investment among its members by 2020 will give impetus to cooperation among East Asian countries. ARF Helped enhance mutual trust among Asian countries and fostered habits of security cooperation. The Six -Party Talks Represent a nontraditional approach to a traditional security challenge in Northeast Asia. Highlight the Six-Party Talks SCO The SCO practice of emphasizing cooperation in nontraditional security fields and of under- scoring economic cooperation will also likely affect the agenda of East Asian Community. Ad hoc and institutionalized, no need to push for a unitary platform With ASEAN’s leading seat… With India’s role…

Part III China’s views on the U.S. role in Asia The posture Washington adopts toward East Asian cooperation and community building will have a crucial impact on the process. Chinese analyst consider Washington’s concern to be focused specifically in two areas: -U.S. exclusion from APT and the EAS and possible marginalization by East Asia Integration. -The strengthening of China’s hand in East Asia to Washington's detriment. Promoting ASEAN’s leading role, encourage India, Australia and New Zealand to play a stronger role in the EAS, turning the Six-Party Talks on the North Korean nuclear issue into a forum for a Northeast Asia security dialogue, etc.

The U.S. role will depend very much on the policy debate within the United States. As economic interdependence deepens, Asian integration is an inevitable trend, which transforms both the East Asia landscape and U.S.-East Asian relations. The U.S. alliance system is another important factor affecting East Asian community building. With Thailand and Philippines With South Korea With Japan

Part IV Looking ahead: the future security architecture in Asia Key principle for the future 1.The APT process should serve as the main vehicle for East Asian cooperation, and ASEAN should play a leadership role. 2.The future process of regional integration will continue to emphasize participating countries’ sovereignty. 3.The future of a regional East Asian institution will demand accommodation for diversity. 4.The future success of East Asian community building will hinge on common development goals. 5.A successful regional architecture in the years ahead will need to stress openness. 6.Need to place more emphasis on economic cooperation and nontraditional security than on security cooperation and traditional security.

Future regional architecture In general, an East Asian Community will be in a better position to address the following changes. Economic development & political relations Overall, this community will likely be built on three principal of pillars. -The deepening of economic cooperation -The broadening of the cooperation agenda to include political and security issues. -The future regional architecture will need to become more institutionalized. (the structure level and the functional level)

Comments and discussion points This part regarding China’s opinions sounds quite like official opinions. Is there any conflicts between China and ASEAN members? Why ASEAN members constantly regard China like a threat instead of a powerful friend is little addressed here. Compared with EU, the differences and obstacles lying the way of East Asia Integration Thanks for your attention!