This file reports on the recently relaunched debate in Asia on regional integration. What are the obstacles to building an Asian Union? ? How do we approach the question of Japan, China, or Australia? ?
The end of the Cold War and the economic rise of China have profoundly changed the economic and political environment of the Asia-Pacific region. The fact that China replaced the United States as Japan’s leading trading partner in 2009 is a spectacular illustration of this. Furthermore, the financial crisis of 1997-1998 strengthened the regional cooperation process.
These upheavals encouraged countries like Japan and Australia, which until then had an exclusive relationship with the United States, to turn again to Asia. However, the question of regional integration is debated. Both Japan and Australia are considering a bloc consisting of Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to members of theASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations). But what should be the place of the United States in this whole? ? The thorniest question is that of leadership, with China on the verge of becoming a global superpower and whose diplomacy is increasingly active.
This “ return to Asia » is not, however, a simple diplomatic mechanism ; it also depends on the state of public opinion. Will the return of nationalism and the existence of deep disagreements in the vision of history hinder this beginning of regional integration? ?
On the folder menu:
- Fabrice Argounes, “ Will the wedding of Australia and Asia take place ? », October 19, 2010.
- Emilie Frenkiel, “ Is China Asian ? », November 23, 2010.
- Guibourg Delamotte, “ Japan and Asia: a pending return », December 7, 2010.
- Bernard Thomann, “ The impossible Asian union: Interview with François Godement », April 29, 2011.