The Asia-Pacific Region and Cross-Strait Relations

Chan Man-Jung of the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, Huang Kwei-Bo of National Chengchi University, Michael Yahuda of George Washington University, and Jin Canrong of Renmin University discussed Asian regional economic integration and the Asia-Pacific context of Beijing-Taipei relations. Eugene Martin of the United States Institute of Peace moderated, and the Brookings Institution’s Jonathan Pollack provided commentary.

Cross-Strait ECFA a Step Forward

The cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), while imperfect, is a positive step for Taiwan’s economy and regional economic integration, argued Chan. In particular, the ECFA has rejuvenated economic negotiations among China, Japan, and Korea, which had stalled in recent years. Huang suggested that the “ECFA can be a touchstone for the success of Asia-Pacific economic cooperation and integration.”

APEC vs. ASEAN

Asian regional economic integration has primarily followed two models: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), explained Chan. Taiwan has been an active participant in APEC initiatives, Chan noted. Huang contended that ASEAN, in contrast, is not an ideal vehicle for regional economic integration, since membership in ASEAN initiatives is restricted to states, and ASEAN members do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.

Asia-Pacific Region as Taiwan’s Natural Space

Taiwan’s natural international space is the Asia-Pacific region, posited Yahuda. However, Taiwan has tended to focus its efforts to gain official recognition on international organizations. Yahuda also noted that Taiwan is not of major strategic significance to the United States, but it is more important to Japan and South Korea. Thus, he suggested Taiwan should do more to foster its relationships with those countries.

China’s Asia-Pacific Hierarchy

China prioritizes different subregions within the Asia-Pacific according to a four-level hierarchy, according to Jin. These include, in order of importance: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia. Northeast Asia is the most significant largely because of Taiwan, but also the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Jin argued that China wishes to press forward first with economic cooperation and then with security cooperation.