East Asia Summit: Can “Island of Military Bases” Become “Island of Dialogue”?

Fierce competition is brewing between China and the U.S. A rise in domestic nationalism has provoked increased tensions, and this may well turn into a situation beyond the control of governments.

Asia’s oceans must not turn into a stage for power games. The two countries need to continue their negotiations with adequate composure and discretion in order to avoid aggravating the problem. Both Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are committed to maximizing efforts toward easing these tensions.

With the participation of America and Russia, the East Asia summit involved a total of 18 nations this year. The majority of discussion, however, concerned the South China Sea problem.

President Obama has voiced demands for free maritime traffic and commerce and the peaceful resolution of the dispute. He states that no nation has “a right to pursue [its claims] through intimidation or coercion.”

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao objected that “the East Asia Summit was not an appropriate occasion to discuss this problem,” but the remaining participants raised the issue nonetheless. The direction is obvious: China needs to change its direction and comply with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, a legally binding code of conduct for sea traffic.

Safe maritime traffic is indispensable for economic growth. Using military intimidation in order to secure maritime interests can only trigger fierce resistance from neighboring countries and further destabilize interests. It is therefore of utmost importance to establish friendly relations with the countries involved. China needs to understand that there are permanent mutual benefits to be gained from this seemingly roundabout approach.

　

But hardline stances within China are on the rise and may gain even more supporters over this very issue. This is a matter of great concern.

On the other hand, American involvement in Asia is clearly growing stronger. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have exhausted the country’s strength, and the U.S. can no longer take on the entire world. There is also widespread public dissatisfaction with the deteriorating economic situation. America is now apparently attempting to find food for growth by focusing its attention on Asia, which has become central to the political and economic future of the world.

Both countries maintain a stubborn attitude, eager to protect national interests. Having to pacify a disgruntled public, however, is an intimidating challenge. The government fears criticism, but there is no easy way of easing the situation. These issues, therefore, invite further tension, and the problem is quite likely to turn into a vicious cycle.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda proposed the creation of a platform for various governments and experts to exchange opinions. Okinawa, one of Japan’s southern prefectures, has close historical ties to America, China and Southeast Asia and might be the most appropriate location for an exchange of ideas.

Okinawa seeks friendly relations with countries in the western Pacific, which includes the East China Sea, home to the Senkaku Islands. Having it be known as an island of dialogue, rather than an island of military bases, would be a welcome step in the right direction.

Editor’s Note: This was actually said by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.