Asian cooperation builds trust

The deepening relationship between East Asian countries is often discussed in connection with the argument over whether we should create an East Asian Community.

However, the fact is that East Asian countries are increasingly linked with each other in various fields, and this trend is irreversible, regardless of our preferences for the formation of the regional community.

The Asian financial crisis of 1997 promoted the agreement of the Chiang Mai Initiative in 2000. The globalization of the economy has necessitated ASEAN+3 ministerial meetings not only in the fields of finance and foreign affairs but in labor, agriculture and energy.