Debate: East Asia

Pang Li / China Daily

At a recent East Asia Cooperation Forum, organized by the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China, scholars presented their views on some of the prospects for the region. Below are excerpts from some scholars who attended the forum.

East Asia still not the world's center

Jin Qiangyi

With the United States and Europe both battling with their faltering economies in contrast to China's fast pace of development, it is little wonder that many analysts are saying that the world's center is moving East. But whether or not their prediction will come true depends on how things shape up.

That's because East Asia has the biggest legacy of the Cold War remaining - the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. Also, the economic crisis has not shaken the structure and accumulated advantages of the US and its European allies, which at least in the near future will retain their dominance in the world.

A great game has been going on between the US and the emerging powers in East Asia. The US has not given up its efforts to intervene in regional affairs to suit its own economic interests and, more importantly, suppress China and Russia to prevent a possible competitor from rising.

Under the US' pressure, China and Russia have had to put emphasis on their security and not been able to concentrate on cooperation. Therefore, without solving the root political problems and eliminating the Cold War mindset that the US and its allies still suffer from, it will be difficult for East Asia to become the new center of the world.

Jin Qiangyi, a professor specializing in East Asian studies at Yanbian University in Jilin province.

Features of East Asian integration unique

Lin Limin

Broadly speaking, there are four characteristics of East Asian integration. First, the East Asian integration process covers a vaster geographical area and a larger population than any other region.

Second, the countries involved in the integration are not limited to one continent but are transcontinental (Asia, North America, Australia). More importantly, East Asia is a dynamic concept, meaning that its scope is being gradually expanded.

Third, the membership of East Asia is complex; many countries have different (and even conflicting) political systems, development stages, histories and religions.

Fourth, ASEAN is leading the East Asian integration process. And competitive and influential countries like China, the US and Japan are trying to restrict each other, which is part of the transitional process.

The East Asian integration process is unique also because its leadership does not come from the most powerful country in the region.

Lin Limin, a research fellow at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations in Beijing.

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