As Asian countries have struggled to survive in and lead the global market, they have formed several alliances. However, those alliances do not seem to have much power and presence so far, since several unsolved problems, historical and territorial, are blocking the relationships among the countries. 

China 

Jing Lee (20) from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore

The sustained economic growth of Asian economies in recent years bears testament to their economic capability and resilience, as well as their potential. To ensure that they maintain their pivotal role as key global economic players, Asian countries must take on multifaceted roles that simultaneously balance domestic policy with regional coopera­tion. Strengthened ties between Asian countries could empower their status and enable them to take on stronger leadership roles in global discussions on current economic developments. This economic governance allows Asian leadership to be more credible, thus helping to drive further growth and ensuring regional financial stability. However, the unprecedented growth of Asian countries has not alleviated the existing problems of poverty and inequality. Asia is reportedly host to half of the world’s poverty, and this could have a detrimental impact on its overall growth and development. Thus, more con­certed efforts should be implemented to improve the current situation to maximize the untapped potential of Asian development.

Yongzhe-Fu (’10, Journalism and Mass Communication)

In order to recognize a promising East Asian Com­munity, territorial disputes, such as the disputes over Dokdo Island and Diaoyu Islands, should first be solved. State governments should work to open markets and resolve conflicts. Moreover, communica­tions in various aspects, such as culture, economics, and sports, should be strengthened among countries. Through communications, people would learn to understand each other. Confidence and trust should be promoted among China, Korea and Japan. It is possible to follow the example of the European Union (EU), establishing an economic integration of China, Korea and Japan, which would promote free trade, eliminate tariffs, and achieve common prosperity. Developed countries should provide aid to developing countries by providing medical care and technology.

Gu Yao (’11, Journalism and Mass Communication)

Having a single system like the Euro would be beneficial for the growth of Asia. European coun­tries in the EU shared the burden of the economic crisis of 2008 and thus could overcome the difficult time. Like­wise, if Asian countries used the same currency, the financial markets of Asia could be stabilized even in critical situations. Moreover, some countries, such as China and India, are rich in resources and labor force, while others, such as Korea and Japan, are highly industrialized. Thus, international trades among Asian countries are active, and would even be more active if there is a single currency system. These trades would result in the over­all economic growth of Asia. 

Yuna Leung (21) from Sun Yat-Sen University

Upon seeing the deepening cooperation of the Associ­ation of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the possibility of a more united Asia seems quite high. Economic coopera­tion within Asia has quite a bright future, whereas coopera­tion such as that seen in the political union of the EU does not seem realistic, taking into consideration that most of the conflicts among the major regional powers are relevant to their core national interests. If Asian countries intend to develop deeper associations, they should focus more on strengthening mutual trust. For this, communication and mutual understanding at the civilian level is significant. While political issues tend to cause turbulence, civilian communication can play an important role in enhancing mutual trust. Thus, non-governmental diplomacy is worth more attention in all Asian countries. 

Korea

Kim Seul-Ki (’10, North Korea Studies)

Above all, Asia should resolve a controversy over its correct perception of history. Asia has historically formed a common cultural area. However, Asia has undergone numer­ous internal conflicts and its nations have come to different interpretations of history. That is why Asian countries keep alive historical distortions, which often lead to territorial disputes. In order to resolve such distortions and disputes, Asian countries should set aside their in­dividual points of view to work as a team. Scholars and experts from different countries can work together to amplify the synergy. Asia then would be able to have greater influence in the world. For example, developed countries in Asia can work as a model for underdeveloped countries by showing a way to overcome economic hardships.

Yeon Da-Sook (ʼ10, Statistics)

In order for Asia to grow together, we should preserve the unique traditions and cultures of Asia and develop them further as a matter of the highest priority. We do not need to make something out of nothing. The whole world forms a global village, in which every nation is part of one huge community. To gain a bigger share of this global village, some nations have formed strong bonds with each other, such as the EU and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAF­TA). In these circumstances, preserving and promoting Asian culture is the right way to have competitive power in the world. As EU puts much effort to cultural industry by promoting its cultural heritage and creating added value, Asian countries should value their traditions and heritage.

Hong-Kong

Waiman Chan (22) from University of Toronto

East Asia is well developed economically as well as socially. Developing countries in Southeast Asia on the other hand, con­tinuously languish, and poverty has not been greatly reduced over decades. For the further development of Asia, more investments, such as building factories and establishing overseas branches, can be made from well-off countries to upgrade the financial status in poor regions. The patriotism and national identities in Asian countries are too strong, which make people in each country tend to refuse working with others. They over-focus on internal development while neglect­ing the big picture of a win-win situation. It is extremely difficult to solve cultural conflicts that involve religion, language and historicity issues. It requires decades to educate the next generations and in some way to change the values of people toward countries.

Herbert Chong (21) from Chinese University of Hong Kong

Asian countries already have organizations similar to EU, such as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Thus, I think we are already trying to cooperate with each other. All of us are willing to have economic cooperation to achieve a win-win situation, although Asian countries con­tinue to have political conflicts. Therefore, economic development can be a stimulus for Asia to develop further. Asian countries can have a higher degree of specializa­tion. For example, Korea, India and Japan can focus on high-technological innovation through research and development while China and Vietnam can focus on primary and secondary production, such as manufacturing. Historical and territorial is­sues are the most important problems to solve.

Japan

Ito Koichi (’12, Sociology)

For Asian countries to have stronger bonds with each other, political issues need to be considered first. Currently, all countries have a different form of politi­cal system, focusing on a nation’s interests, rather than Asia as a whole. Therefore, each country should change its political system at least a little to reach a consensus. In particular, policies made on a regional basis rather than at a state level are necessary. Asia has many problems, both historical and economic. However, instead of trying to solve them, understanding how countries interrelate with each other considering such issues and forecasting and planning the future of Asia seem to be more important. Eventually, forming a bloc economy within Asia would be highly beneficial for the growth of Asia. By utiliz­ing the strong points of each country, such as the market of China, high productive capacity of Korea, technology of Japan, and economic power of Indonesia, Asia would be able to have a strong stance in world market.

Nagata Yukie (’12, Japanese Language and Literature)

Above all, Asia should resolve its economic problems. In particular, China needs to free itself from a narrow point of view and adopt a fluctuating currency, instead of its cur­rent managed float system. If it does so, a trade surplus from the Asian production network would lead to an increase in the value of money in other Asian countries. According to the extent to which each nation contributed to creating added value, each nation would see its currency rise or fall. China would no longer have to hold huge amount of dollars, but instead would be motivated to run factories in its homeland. Having factories within Asia could not only decrease the unemployment problem, but could also prevent tech­nology leakage. I hope Asian firms and leaders will look at the bigger picture and pursue the benefit of Asia as a whole.