Asia-Pacific Development Research - (Volume 4)

Author: Yang Luhui et al. (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: East Asia, as a region, is primarily geographically connected. The countries are adjacent to each other, either landlocked or separated by a narrow body of water, forming a natural bond. Of course, what truly shapes regional relationship frameworks are economic ties and the comprehensive interest mechanisms built upon them. Historically, East Asia established close regional connections, forming a regional order centered around China. However, with the decline of Chinese power, this framework collapsed. Subsequently, Southeast Asia fell under colonial rule by Western powers, while Northeast Asia plunged into chaos centered around the Sino-Japanese conflict. Notably, Japan, which subsequently rose, attempted to establish a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" centered around itself through military force, but ultimately failed. East Asian cooperation differs from that of Europe. It did not begin with a clear political goal or a unified consensus upfront but rather started from pragmatic needs, gradually increasing cooperation content and step-by-step establishing and improving the cooperation mechanisms.