The importance of building trust in eastern Asia

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By Yin Jiwu (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-17 08:04

Compared to the hatred and incessant wars among western European countries that marked their modern history, the situation was much less intense and complex in eastern Asia, where nations followed a tributary system of governance. But unlike their western European counterparts, eastern Asian countries failed to establish mutual trust as they entered the modern age. In fact, suspicion still plays a fundamental role in many regional disputes, such as territorial claims in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and the border dispute between China and India.

In sharp contrast, western European countries had started walking the broad path toward a "European Union" by the 1970s after major powers, including France and Germany, put their stamps on reconciliation. Their efforts to establish mutual trust and security cooperation culminated in the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975, which was rooted in western Europe's rational spirit of contract.

The situation among eastern Asia's small countries looks optimistic. For example, countries in Southeast Asia signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 1976, calling for peaceful settlements of disputes. But the long-existing distrust between countries in eastern Asia still poses a threat to such treaties.

Although eastern Asian countries share a lot of cultural traits, their political systems are worlds apart. And since their cultures lack the spirit of rational reflection, old disputes can usually lead to new ones.

We all know that we should "forget the past" for the sake of a common future, but that can be done only through the joint efforts of the aggressors and the victims both. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. As a result, uncertainty and suspicion still hang in the air over East Asia despite close economic relations among the countries.

Eastern Asian countries have adapted well to the new world order, which comprises nation states. But harmony has eluded them after their tributary system collapsed. Instead, suspicion and hostility have marked the periods of their socio-economic reformation.

Besides, eastern Asia's renaissance didn't bring the countries in the region closer. In the absence of a common goal or common enemy, they prefer to be on guard against each other. And as the third party in their mutual relationships, the United States has always complicated the situation and intensified the contradictions.

For eastern Asian countries, regional security and mutual trust are a historical cause. Only by being more tolerant toward their diverse political ideologies can they create more hope and confidence in their strategic ties. In such a situation, transparent steps such as mutual visits by top leaders, establishment of military hotlines, building security cooperation forums and signing treaties of friendship can help improve their strategic ties. The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia is a good lesson for them.

Moreover, since the eastern Asian countries do not have the driving force of a common mission, they should try to deepen their cooperation, especially when they face similar or mutual problems. Fighting against terrorism, members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) have indeed signed many border treaties and protocols of mutual military trust. Such treaties and actions are what the future requires.

In other words, eastern Asian countries should adopt western Europe's spirit of contract and build closer relations based on the principles of traditional Asian culture, for that is crucial for the establishment of strategic mutual trust.

The author is a researcher with the School of International Relations and Diplomacy, Beijing Foreign Studies University.

(China Daily 09/17/2009 page9)