Creating an East Asian Community<\/p>\n
V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia<\/p>\n
It is only fitting that Russia should be elevated from a
\ndialogue to a full partner of ASEAN, since Moscow has been a
\nparticipant for the past nine years. Its elevation will be
\nanother boost to the regional grouping.<\/p>\n
Since Moscow is already a dialogue partner, it is more logical
\nthat it be included as a member of the East Asian Summit, where
\nit can play a more meaningful role.<\/p>\n
Together with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New
\nZealand and the 10 ASEAN members, the grouping will have more
\neconomic clout as it represents nearly three billion people or
\nhalf the world's population.<\/p>\n
If they can act in concert, they can be a powerful force that
\nthe rest of the world will have to sit up and take notice of.
\nThey will have a sizeable market for their products.<\/p>\n
Trade, investment and tourism will be given a boost, and with
\nproper planning and cooperation, their economies should benefit
\nfrom this emerging alliance.<\/p>\n
There will be unlimited opportunities for economic cooperation
\nand it is proof that the world political and ideological
\nlandscape has changed for the better. In the EAS, we have the
\ncapitalist and socialist worlds sitting down and talking to each
\nother.<\/p>\n
Few would have thought this a possibility, and that democratic
\nand communist governments could work together towards a common
\nobjective of making the world a safer and more prosperous place
\nfor both their citizens and those outside the region.<\/p>\n
Some may wish to play up the discord among the members and
\nbased on this perception will feel that the grouping is unlikely
\nto be an effective organization.<\/p>\n
Australia, a new partner, was admitted because it finally
\ndecided to sign the treaty of amity and cooperation.<\/p>\n
It had initially refrained from doing so for fear that this
\nwould compromise its military cooperation with its Western
\npartners.<\/p>\n
However, ASEAN and EAS were too important for Canberra to be
\nleft out. The grouping also is against the threat of terror
\nattacks, an important issue with Canberra, and is prepared to
\nwork together to wipe out this menace.<\/p>\n
ASEAN governments, in particular, have co-operated closely in
\nthe fight against any militant group out to create fear and
\ndestruction in the region and elsewhere.<\/p>\n
The signing of the treaty is important as those who wish to be
\na member of the ASEAN-led EAS must show that it is coming in as a
\nfriend without any hostile intention against any other partner.<\/p>",
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