The East Asia Summit I

The East Asia Summit I

When the decision was made last year to hold this summit, it was welcomed as an ambitious attempt that could change the future of Asia. But the initial enthusiasm seems to have waned, particularly after relations between China and Japan deteriorated further this year over the Yasukuni Shrine issue.

Washington also put a damper on the plans when it expressed apprehensions of forming an Asian community without its involvement.

To proceed with the East Asia Community concept, ASEAN members must work hard as the core group, but cooperation between China and Japan is also indispensable. It is unfortunate that relations have deteriorated so far that the leaders can't even hold a summit. Both should recognize the magnitude of their responsibility. -- The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo