THE “JAPAN‐EAST ASIA DIALOGUE”

East Asia in Transition and New Perspectives on Regional Cooperation

Conference Papers
February 24, 2011
Lecture Hall of the International House of JapanTokyo, Japan

Co‐sponsored by
The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ)
International Studies Department, Vietnam National University
The Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR)Table of Contents
1. Program …………………………………………..……………………………………….1
2. Biographies of the Panelists .……….……………..………………………………………..2
3. Presentation Papers …………………………..……………………………………………5
Session I
East Asia in Transition and New Visions for Regional Cooperation(1) ITO Go………………………….……………………………………………………………………...5(2) Pham Quang MINH…………….……..……………………………………………………………..6(3) TAKAHARA Hikojiro……….……………………………………………………………………….7(4) REN Xiao……………………………………..………………………………………………………. 8
Session II
On the Nature of Regional Cooperation in East Asia: Introvert or Extrovert?
(1) WATANABE Shino……...…………….…………………...……..………………………………....9(2) Robert DUJARRIC.…..…..…….….…...……………….………………………………...……..… 10(3) OGASAWARA Takayuki…..………….…………………….…..……….…..…………………....10(4) KIM Beng Phar………...….….…………….………………….……………………..……………..11
Session III
New Perspectives on Regional Cooperation toward Open Regionalism(1) SANADA Yukimitsu……..………...……..……………………….…..……….….………………13(2) KWON Taek‐myung…………………….….…………..………………………………………….16(3) YANO Takuya…………………………………………………………………..………………….17(4) HORIKANE Yumi…………………………………………………………….….….……………. 17

4. An Introduction to the Global Forum of Japan (GFJ)…………...…………………………...19
5. An Introduction to International Studies Department, Vietnam National University……….20
6. An Introduction to the Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR)………………………….21

1. Program「日・東アジア対話」
JAPAN-EAST ASIA DIALOGUE「変動する東アジアと地域協力をめぐる新視点」"East Asia in Transition and New Perspectives on Regional Cooperation"
2011年2月23-24日 / February 23-24, 2011
東京、日本 / Tokyo, Japan
共催 / Sponsored by
グローバル・フォーラム / The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ)
ベトナム国立大学国際関係学部 / International Studies Department, Vietnam National University
日本国際フォーラム / The Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR)

2011 年 2 月 23 日 （水） / Wednesday, 23 February, 2011
開幕夕食会 * 特別招待者のみ / Welcome Dinner *Invitation Only
伊藤憲一グローバル・フォーラム執行世話人主催開幕夕食会

18:00-20:00

Welcome Dinner hosted by ITO Kenichi, President, GFJ

2011 年 2 月 24 日 （木） / Thursday, 24 February, 2011
国際文化会館「講堂」 / International House of Japan "Lecture Hall"
開幕挨拶 / Opening Remarks
10:00-10:05

大河原 良雄 グローバル・フォーラム代表世話人
OKAWARA Yoshio, Chairman, GFJ

本会議Ⅰ / Ｓｅｓｓｉｏｎ I
10：05-11:55「変動する東アジアと地域協力の新たなヴィジョン」"East Asia in Transition and New Visions for Regional Cooperation "平林博 グローバル・フォーラム有識者世話人、日本国際フォーラム副理事長
HIRABAYASHI Hiroshi, Opinion Leader Governor, GFJ/Vice President, JFIR

議長挨拶（5 分間）
Greeting by Chairperson (5 min.)
報告A（10分間）
Speaker A (10min.)伊藤 剛 明治大学教授
ITO Go, Professor, Meiji University

報告B（10 分間）
Speaker B (10 min.)ファン・カン・ミン ベトナム国立大学国際関係学部長（ベトナム）
Pham Quang MINH, Dean, International Studies Department, Vietnam National University (Vietnam)

報告C（10 分間）
Speaker C (10 min.)
報告D（10分間）
Speaker D (10min.)
自由討議 （55分間）
Free Discussions (55min.)
議長総括（10分間）
Summarization by Chairperson（10 min.）
昼食 / Lunch

高原 彦二郎 コンサルビューション代表
TAKAHARA Hikojiro, CEO, Consul Bution Co.

11:55-13:00

任 暁 駐日中国大使館一等書記官／復旦大学教授（中国）REN Xiao, First Secretary, the Chinese Embassy in Japan & Professor, Fudan University, Shanghai (China)
出席者全員
All Participants
平林 博 グローバル・フォーラム有識者世話人
HIRABAYASHI Hiroshi, Opinion Leader Governor, GFJ

昼食休憩／Lunch Break(会議場外で各自でお取り下さい）

本会議Ⅱ /Session II
13:00-14:50「東アジア地域協力の内向性・外向性をめぐって」"On the Nature of Regional Cooperation in East Asia: Introvert or Extrovert?"

議長挨拶（5分間）
Greeting by Chairperson (5 min.)ファン・カン・ミン ベトナム国立大学国際関係学部長（ベトナム）
Pham Quang MINH, Dean, International Studies Department, Vietnam National University (Vietnam)

報告A（10分間）
Speaker A (10min.)
報告B（10 分間）
Speaker B (10 min.)
報告C（10 分間）
Speaker C (10 min.)
報告D（10分間）
Speaker D (10min.)
自由討議（55分間）
Free Discussions (55 min.)渡辺 紫乃 埼玉大学准教授
WATANABE Shino, Associate Professor, Saitama University

議長総括（10分間）
Summarization by Chairperson（10 min.）
14：50-15：10
本会議Ⅲ /Session III
15：10-17：00

ロバート・デュジャリック テンプル大学現代アジア研究所所長（アメリカ）
Robert DUJARRIC, Director, Institute of Contemporary Asia Studies, Temple University (U.S.)
小笠原 高雪 山梨学院大学教授
OGASAWARA Takayuki, Professor, Yamanashi Gakuin University
キン・ベン・ファー マレーシア外交政策研究所戦略研究主幹 （マレーシア）
KIM Beng Phar, Director of Strategy/Research, Foreign Policy Study Group (Malaysia)
出席者全員
All Participants
ファン・カン・ミン ベトナム国立大学国際関係学部長（ベトナム）
Pham Quang MINH, Dean, International Studies Department, Vietnam National University (Vietnam)

休憩/Break「開かれた地域主義に向けた地域協力の新たな視点」"New Perspectives on Regional Cooperation toward Open Regionalism"

議長挨拶（5分間）
Greeting by Chairperson (5 min.)伊藤 剛 明治大学教授
ITO Go, Professor, Meiji University

報告A（10分間）
Speaker A (10min.)
報告B（10 分間）
Speaker B (10 min.)
報告C（10 分間）
Speaker C (10 min.)
報告D（10分間）
Speaker D (10min.)
自由討議（55分間）
Free Discussions (55min.)
議長総括（10分間）
Summarization by Chairperson（10 min.）

真田 幸光 愛知淑徳大学教授
SANADA Yukimitsu, Professor, Aichi Shukutoku University
権 宅明 KEB財団常務理事（韓国）
KWON Taek-myung, Standing Director, KEB Foundation
矢野 卓也 グローバル・フォーラム事務局長、日本国際フォーラム主任研究員
YANO Takuya, Executive Secretary GFJ / Senior Research Fellow, JFIR
堀金 由美 明治大学准教授
HORIKANE Yumi, Associate Professor, Meiji University
出席者全員
All Participants
伊藤 剛 明治大学教授
ITO Go, Professor, Meiji University

2．Biographies of the Panelists【East Asia Panelists】
Pham Quang MINH

Dean, International Studies Department, Vietnam National University

Received Ph. D in Southeast Asian Studies from Humboldt University in Germany in 2002. Serves as theco-ordinator of several international projects such as “Vietnam’s access into WTO” supported by the German
Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and “Renovating the Undergraduate Teaching of International Relations / Studies
in Vietnam” supported by the Ford Foundation. Teaches world politics, international relations of Asia-Pacific, andVietnam’s foreign policy.

REN Xiao

First Secretary, the Chinese Embassy in Japan & Professor, Fudan University, Shanghai

Received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Fudan University in 1992. Studied in the University of Essex inEngland and served as Associate Professor (1996-2001), Professor (2001-02) in Fudan University, Senior Fellow and
Director of the Asia Pacific Studies Department, Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS). Currently
Serves as the Director of the Center for Chinese Foreign Policy Studies at the Institute of International Studies (IIS),
Fudan University.

Robert DUJARRIC

Director, Institute of Contemporary Asia Studies, Temple University

Graduated from Harvard College and received an MBA from Yale University. He is a frequent contributor to the
public debate on Japanese affairs and international political and economic issues. Mr. Dujarric took his current
position at Temple University Japan Campus in 2007 after having worked closely with the university for several
years organizing events. He served as visiting fellow of the Japan Institute of International Affairs in Tokyo(2005-2007) and from 2004-05, he was a Council on Foreign Relations Hitachi Fellow in Japan.

KIM Beng Phar

Director of Strategy/Research, Foreign Policy Study Group

Graduated from International Islamic University, Malaysia. Received M.A. in International Peace Studies from
University of Notre Dame, MPhil in International Relations from University of Cambrridge and Ph.D from The
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. Served as Weekly Columnist of The Asia Times (HongKong), Head of Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, Senior Correspondent of Straits Times Singapore, SeniorResearcher of University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong and Visiting Scholar of Waseda University.

Standing Director, KEB Foundation

KWON Taek-myung

Graduated from Hanyang University and received MBA in Business Administration from Yeongnam University.
Joined in Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in 1969 and served as Chief of Business Innovation Dept., Shinpyeong
Branch, Bupyeong Branch, Gangnam Regional Marketing Headquarter with 7-year service in Tokyo Branch, Japan.
Has been serving as Executive Director of KEB Foundation since 2005, a charity foundation of the bank under its
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Serves as an elder of Sarang (Love) Presbyterian Community
Church in Seoul since 2001.

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【Japanese Panelists】
Chairman, The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ)

OKAWARA Yoshio

Graduated from The University of Tokyo. Entered Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1942. Served various positions
including Director-General of the American Affairs Bureau, Deputy Vice Minister for Administration, Japanese
Ambassador to Australia and Japanese Ambassador to the United States (1980-1985). Concurrently serving as
Special Adviser of Institute for International Policy Studies and President of America-Japan Society, Inc.

Opinion Leader Governor, GFJ / Vice President, JFIRHIRABAYASHI Hiroshi

Graduated from The University of Tokyo. Entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1963. From 1991 to 2006,
served successively as Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, D.C., Director-General of Economic Cooperation
Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief Cabinet Councilor on External Affairs at Prime Minister’s Cabinet,
Ambassador to India and Ambassador to France. Concurrently, Executive Vice-President of The Council on East
Asian Community (CEAC), President of the Japan-India Association, Visiting Professor of the Graduate School of
Asia-Pacific Studies of Waseda University, and so forth.

Professor, Meiji University

ITO GoGraduated from Sophia University. Received Ph.D. at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University ofDenver in 1997. Served as Associate Professor at Meiji University in 1998, and assumed the current position in 2006.
Also served as Adjunct Professor (International Security) at Waseda University as well as Sophia University, and as
Adjunct Researcher of the House of Councilors. Recipients of the Eisenhower Fellowships in 2005 and the
Nakasone Yasuhiro Award in 2006.

CEO, Consul Bution Co., Ltd

TAKAHARA Hikojiro

Graduated from Facalty of Commerce of Waseda University and joined the Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. in 1980.
Served as various positions including Deputy Manager of Hong Kong Office, Deputy Manager of Beijing Office,Manager of Beijing Office in 1998 and Planning Manager of Overseas Department in 2002. Left the Idemitsu Kosan
Co., Ltd. in 2004 and founded the Consul Bution Co., Ltd. in 2005.

Associate Professor, Saitama University

WATANABE Shino

Graduated from The University of Tokyo in 1994, received her M.A. in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher
School, Tufts University in 2000 and earned her Ph.D. from the Woodrow Wilson Department of Politics,
University of Virginia in 2007. Served as a visiting fellow at the Institute of Social Science, The University of Tokyo,
a visiting research associate at the Faculty of Law, Keio University, a research associate at the Japan Foundation,
and a research fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs. Held the current position since 2010.

Professor, Yamanashi Gakuin University

OGASAWARA Takayuki

Graduated from the Faculty of Law of Keio University. Received LL.M. from Keio University in 1989. Served as
Researcher at Japan Institute of International Affairs,Visiting Scholar at National University of Singapore, Visiting
Research Fellow at Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Associate Professor at Hokuriku University. Held thecurrent position since 2002.

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Professor, Aichi Shukutoku University

SANADA Yukimitsu

Graduated from Facalty of Law of Keio Univeristy and joined the Bank of Tokyo in 1981. Served as various
positions including Assistant Manager of Bank of Tokyo, Assistant G.M. of Capital Markets Div1 of Bank of Tokyo,
Associate Director of Tokyo-Mitsubishi International, Senior Manager of Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi and General
Manager of Dresdner Bank. Held the current position since 1998.

Executive Secretary, GFJ / Senior Research Fellow, JFIRYANO Takuya

Graduated from the Faculty of Literature of Keio University in 1998. Received Master of Law from Keio University
in 2000. Completed Doctoral Program at Keio University in 2004. Served as Associate Research Fellow andResearch Fellow of The Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR). Held the current position since 2009.
Concurrently serves as Executive Secretary of The Council on East Asian Community.

Associate Professor, Meiji University

HORIKANE Yumi

Graduated from Asian Studies, Department of Liberal Arts, The University of Tokyo in 1983, received M.Phil andearned Ph D from Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge. Served as Program Officer,
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Researcher, Foundation for Advanced Studies on International
Development (FASID) and Assistant Professor, School of Political Science and Economics, Meiji University. Heldcurrent position since 2005.

(In order of appearance)

43. Presentation Papers
Session I: East Asia in Transition and New Visions
for Regional Cooperation
ITO GoProfessor, Meiji University
East Asian in Transition and New Perspectives on Regional Cooperation
1.

Regional Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific(1) Australia→APEC, China→ASEAN+3, Japan→ASEAN+6, South Korea→Bilaterals FTA,
US→TPP(2) Asia as the global engine of growth(3) From “poor Asia” to “rich Asia”(4) From a “disintegrated Asia” to an “integrated Asia”(5) Newcomers into the established frameworks(6) Increasing demands from the newcomers to participate in the frameworks(7) Reluctant, gradual supply of their responsibilities (or international public goods) within theframeworks

2.

The Purpose of this Project(1) “East Asia in Transition and New Visions for Regional Cooperation” aims to highlight the
impact on Asia’s regional cooperation of China’s rise, salient in the past decades, and tolisten to Vietnam’s perceptions on it. It will then shed light on two speakers’ ideas
concerning opportunities and risks brought about by China’s rise.
(2) “On the Nature of Regional Cooperation in East Asia: Introvert and Extrovert?” aims to
examine the Chinese neighboring countries’ perceptions toward regional cooperation
frameworks in the Asia-Pacific. How these countries have sought to make use of theregional frameworks for their own sake will also be discussed.
(3) “New Perspectives on Regional Cooperation toward Open Regionalism” aims to include
Japan’s future strategies on regional cooperation frameworks. It will also discuss whether
countries that look like seeking the “open regionalism” strategies, such as South Korea andSingapore, could become a frame of reference for Japan’s future.

3. Regional Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific and Japan’s Strategies(1) What should be exposed to international competition, and what should be protected by thegovernment?
(2) What should be done by the market, and what should be the public missions worth
spending Japan’s public money?
(3) What type of public-private partnership should be proceeded in the entire globalization?
4. Strategies as an “art of possibilities”(1) Multiple strategies should be implemented all at once.
(2) Some will fail, but the others will become successful.

5Pham Quang MINH

Dean, International Studies Department, Vietnam National University(Vietnam)Continuity and change in East Asia Region:
A Perspective from Vietnam
Abstract: The first decade of 21 century marked many dynamic developments in East Asia region
which attracted the attention of the international community. The main objective of thispresentation is to analyze these recent developments in the region by arguing that East Asia ischaracterized by both continuity and change. The presentation is divided into three parts. The
first is focusing on major recent trends of East Asia. The second part analyses the position androle of Vietnam as a regional security player. The presentation ends with some suggestions forfurther cooperation.
Outline:1.
Major trends of East Asia strategic environment:(1) The global economic and financial crisis(2) China’s military modernization and transformation(3) The United States’ stepped-up engagement(4) Increased arms procurements(5) The heightened importance of the maritime domain(6) The increasing of salience of non-traditional security issues(7) The persistence of everyday security challenges’(8) The evolution of the regional security architecture2.

Vietnam as a regional security player(1) A transformed successful model(2) A maritime state(3) An emerging middle income country(4) Gradual defence modernization(5) Key player in ASEAN(6) Potential strategic partner of US(7) Active mediator

3.

Some suggestions for further cooperation(1) A comprehensive approach(2) Increase the role of ASEAN as a driving force(3) Increase the engagement of global players(4) Continue dialogue and confidence-building measures (Track II diplomacy)(5) Towards regional security architecture (COC; ADMM+….)(6) Increase the role of Japan and China as regional East Asia powers

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TAKAHARA Hikojiro
CEO, Consul Bution, Co.
Centering on so-called the China risks
1. How to deal with the “China risks”
So-called the “China risks” should rather be dealt with in a way that takes into account two typesof “risks” than in a conventional way that many Japanese adopt.
(1) How to understand “risks”
There are two types of “risks”: one is risks related to business opportunity and the otherrelated to business performance.
(a) Risk related to business opportunity.
This type of risks exists in managerial decision-making process, and is also known as‘upside risk’ which is expected to bring profit opportunities.
(b) Risk related to business performanceThis type of risks is related to business activity and is also known as ‘downside risk’ as it
poses threats the success of business performance.
(2) How to deal with the China risks – Risk Management and Commitment
About 30,000 Japanese companies have already entered China. In order for the Japanesecompanies to preserve their independence and to ensure adequate profits, it is important toadopt the attitude of ‘risk management and commitment’ described below.
(a) The perspective of “commitment” –taking in the China’s market
The economic development of China, needless to say, is huge business opportunity forJapanese companies. In particular, in view of such issues as declining domestic
consumption and declining birthrate, China’s domestic market growth is a great
opportunity. The attitude of enhancing their commitment to Chinese society is essential. In
other words, it is necessary to harmonize themselves with Chinese society actively bytaking advantage of the geo-proximity and commonality of “Asian sensitivity.”‘Commitment’ is a management style of a company as a member of the Chinese societythat fulfills its commitment to the policy of the Chinese government and creates win-win
relationship for example in the case of labor management.
(b) The perspective of “risk management” – the aspect of competition
On the other hand, it is also critical to observe objectively the influence of China’s
economic growth on Japanese companies. According to the report on “the real condition ofJapanese companies activity in Oceania and Asian region” issued by JETRO (Japan
External Trade Organization) on October 21, 2010, Chinese companies are the topcompetitor among the local markets* of the 13 countries when it comes to selling
middle-and-low range price products and services: Chinese companies (38.1%), Korean
companies (10.5%), Thai companies (10.3%). Japanese companies – especially for the
middle-and-small companies that comprise 98% of Japanese enterprise – are greatly
threatened by China. In the changing East-Asian region, Chinese companies arecontinuously establishing their position and certainly becoming the real competitor.
* Local Markets: China, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Australia, New
Zealand.

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In addition to the above mentioned risks, external business risks as follows are assumed to be
dealt with.
< External Business Risk Factors>
1. Environmental crisis, infectious diseases, slowdown of domestic economy, popular riots,
leadership crisis of the Communist Party, intervention by the PLA, suspension of economic
activity and confusion of supply chain caused by tensions between the two countries.
2. China’s over-consumption of primary products, price hike in special raw materials like rareearth, influences on corporate activities from inaccessibility to such materials.
3. Disadvantage of foreign capital and adoption of protective measures due to China’s priority on
state-owned companies (conglomeratization based on national capitals)
4. Under pricing competition resulted from “destruction of value” by China’s violation on theintellectual property
Besides in its domestic market, competition with Chinese companies is expected in othercountries’ market with an increasing rate for the years to come. Thus, risk management is
especially important to secure fair competition and to prevent suspension of business caused bybreakup of supply chain in the international market in regard of the intellectual property
protection.

REN Xiao

First Secretary, the Chinese Embassy in Japan &Professor, Fudan University, Shanghai (China)
The Nature of Regional Cooperation in East Asia: A Chinese Perspective
Opening thoughts
1. China’s development goals and external strategy(1) A corresponding international strategy: to build a peaceful and stable external
environment, especially the immediate environment(2) Complex geographical reality(3) The three key words as doctrine: peace, development, and cooperation
2. To the west: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
3. To the south: China-ASEAN FTA
4. To the east: China-Japan-ROK (CJK) tripartite cooperation(1) Joint feasibility research into a CJK FTA involving government, business, and academic
communities(2) A new secretariat soon to be created(3) Summitry: second round(4) Mechanisms for functional cooperation
Diversion?
5. Wither East Asia Summit (EAS)?
(1) A modest start and unclear mission(2) The participation of the U.S. and Russia(3) What forum is EAS?
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6. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)(1) An emerging new grouping(2) Japan’s decision by June?
(3) The negotiations are expected to be completed by the November APEC in Hawaii?
7. A more networked region with competing visions(1) Asia rising as the global financial crisis recedes(2) Crisis-driven regional integration(3) A budding community?

Session II: On the Nature of Regional Cooperation in East Asia
: Introvert or Extrovert?
WATANABE Shino
Associate Professor, Saitama University
China’s Regional Diplomacy:
China’s Response toward the Current International Order
1. China and the Current International Order(1) China’s self-analysis on its present position- a regional power with clout in the international system- no ability to establish international order or institutions on her own initiative(2)China’s own image of its future position- a growing influence on the international economic system- willingness to change the current arrangements of the international system by taking
peaceful means ⇔ waging a war(3)China’s strategy: 「以参与求発展」戦略- participation in the current international system- reform within the international system
2. China’s Regional Diplomacy(1)The meaning of “region” in China’s diplomacy- neighboring developing counties- emphasis on the relations with Southeast Asia and with Central Asia
(2)The role of regional diplomacy- enhancing favorable environments for economic development and political stability inChina- improving relations with developing countries- securing support base for backing China’s side in the international arena
3. Major Developments in China’s Regional Diplomacy(1)Toward Southeast Asia
- ASEAN, ASEAN plus X, and others(2)Toward Central Asia
- the Shanghai Five and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
4. Implications
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Robert DUJARRIC

Director, Institute of Contemporary Asia Studies,
Temple University (U.S.)
Nature of Regional Cooperation in East Asia: Introvert or Extrovert?
1. Basic facts that hinder regional cooperation in East Asia:(1)Numerous active or latent political-military tensions:●North Korea – South Korea●Taiwan – China●Japan – China●ASEAN – China (South China Sea islands)●Thailand – Cambodia●India – China(2) Affected by regional geopolitical rivalry between China and the US.
(3) Divergent levels of economic development (from high-income to low-income).
(4) Widely different political systems.
2. Factors which promote regional cooperation in East Asia:(1) Shared commitment to economic growth (with a few minor exceptions).
(2) Integrated supply industrial supply chains.
(3) Need to mitigate regional tensions.
(4) Tool to maximize political influence.
3. Balance sheet of regional cooperation in East Asia:(1) Significant development of formal and informal institutions.
(2) Has – sometimes – managed to insulate economics from politics.
Conclusion:(1)Fundamentally prospects depend on geopolitics. Regional cooperation cannot survive amajor clash involving China and the US and its allies.
(2) Recent Chinese policy towards Japan, ASEAN, US raises serious doubts about the future.

OGASAWARA Takayuki
Professor, Yamanashi Gakuin University
Vietnam’s Reactions to the Rise of China
1. Can Southeast Asia Survive?
● A Distinct Region● Re-definition of East Asia
2. Vietnam’s Foreign Strategy● “Single World Market” (1984)● “Strong Economy” “Appropriate Defence Capability” “International Cooperation” (1988)● “Expansion” “ Diversification” “Multilateralisation” (1994)10

3. Soft Balancing● Economic Development● Bilateral Cooperation with ASEAN countries, Asia-Pacific countries● ASEAN Membership
4. Stratified Engagements● Multifaceted Consultations with China● “ASEAN plus X” Formula● Greater Mekong Subregion
5. Outcomes and Limitations of Engagements● Border Demarcation● Water Management of the Mekong River● South China Sea
6. The Changing Strategy● Enhancing of Defence Cooperation● Closer Relationship with the United States
7. Japan’s Option● Economic Partnership● Mekong Region Development● “Freedom of Navigation”● Defence Cooperation

KIM Beng Phar

Director of Strategy / Research, Foreign Policy Study Group (Malaysia)
US Expectation on the bilateral alliancewith Japan and implication for Japan’s strategy
East Asia Cooperation: Introvert or Extrovert ? Universalism, Open Regionalism,
Cultural Relativism, ASEAN Way
Is East Asia cooperation introvert or extrovert ? This question has to be answered at two levels.
One, is East Asia embracing universal values in total, or, merely implementing some of them forstrategic and commercial reasons to empower and entrench the rule of the current elites. Second,is East Asia capable of seeing the benefits of democratization as more than deregulation anddigitization combined. If East Asia cannot see democratization as a COMPLETE GOOD-----more
powerful and beneficial even than digitization and deregulation combined----then the region willcontinue to function based on cultural relativism and selective interpretation of open regionalism.
What is true, however, is that democratization will continue to occur with or without the consent
of the leaders in East Asia. At the beginning of the middle of 20th century, there were 16 politicalparties that ruled their countries almost indefinitely. Almost all of them had fallen in elections,
except UMNO and PAP in Malaysia and Singapore. Even the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan,
and the Kuomintang Party in Taiwan, had failed too. Indeed, UMNO was badly defeated in the
March 8 2008 election in Malaysia. Although Singapore's PAP remained strong, it is not
representative of Asia. Only the Communist Party and Vietnam remained standing. But then they
are there not by virtue of open elections. All said, East Asia is extrovert in capturing commercial

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gains, but misguidedly introverted in assuming that democratization cannot give even more
benefits and gains.
Introduction: East Asia and 3 Ds
1. To the degree, Western values are truly extrovert (marked by a propensity to defend andpromote deregulation, digitization, and democratization i.e. 3 Ds), East Asia being part of the
global/Western system, will also cherish the same principles. The question arises as to howevenly East Asia can enthusiastically embrace 3 Ds in the name of open regionalism ?
2.

Embedded in the crucible of 3 Ds is the notion that all these mechanisms, if allowed tofunction freely, can promote the absolute gains of all countries. Nation-states that adhere to
the tenets of free trade (deregulation), free exchange of information (digitization), andfreedom of association coupled with the right to elect their own government(democratization) can raise the welfare of all through win-win outcome, as marked by thetheory of comparative advantage, first espoused by David Ricardo.

3. Yet, the modern history of East Asia between 19th and mid 20th century has been marked
most profoundly by free trade only, and not the subsequent tenets. Akamatsu's concept of the'flying geese' described how a group of civilized states, seeking to follow the example ofJapan, transformed itself into an export powerhouse by 1960s. Yet, emerging economies like
Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Indonesia, did not given
much emphasis to the importance of other things.
4.

Democratization has always taken a back seat to the importance of trade. East Asia did notmind the importance of deregulating the economy, and digitizing parts of it to make
immediate monetary gains. Yet it took measures to curb the middle class from being
actively involved in political activities. If democratization is defined as the willingness of theincumbents to face the risk of defeat in an open and fair election, most regimes in East Asia
did not openly and institutionally raise the risk. Legal templates like internal security acts
(ISA), printing and publications act (PPA) and, official secrets act (OSA) were still
maintained by the executive. The parliament and the judiciary were not properly
empowered to allow most of the countries in East Asia to make the switch from authoritarianregimes into liberal and democratic ones, except perhaps the example of Indonesia.

5． A very good example of how democratization was controlled was the resistance offered by
East Asia on the universality of human rights---with the alternate emphasis on theimportance of Asian Values, and by extension, the ASEAN Way. Prior to the World
Conference on Human rights in 1993 in Vienna, the governments of China, Indonesia,
Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia spoke in favor of Asian Values. Encouraged by thisdevelopment, the Indo Chinese countries like Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar
subsequently joined ASEAN in the mid 1990s. Cultural relativism in a sense became theSiamese twin of open regionalism: That while East Asia will grow with the rest of the world,
it will not as a rule give in freely to democratization, and digitization.

12

Session III: New Perspectives on Regional Cooperation
toward Open Regionalism
SANADA Yukimitsu

Professor, Aichi Shukutoku University
Lessons from South Korea
South Korea's Strategies toward Open Regionalism:
Lessons for Economic Development
1. Introduction
The topic of my presentation today is talk to you about the overseas business strategy of S.Korean
Government as well as Korean companies.
Namely, as you may be aware that S.Korean Economy is relatively stronger among majorindustrial countries and profitability of S.Korean companies is higher than that of major
competitors of other countries and I will show you my idea why that is!!
And also if there were hint for the recovery of Japan, I will express you how Japanese
Government and Japanese companies will use such strategy of S.Korean’s.
2. Current situation of South Korean economy
I want to confirm how the South Korean economy is strong recently.
The GDP growth rate in Third Quarter 2010 was 4.4%.
Especially, the expansion with a high capital investment (24.3% increase) and private
consumption (3.3% increase) changing steady by improving the employment environment wasrecorded.
Moreover, the external demand continues to support the South Korea economy
3. What is the background that supports good South Korean economy?
If the strong point of South Korea is enumerated, it becomes as follows;
These points combining and the strong point of South Korea is made an embodiment as of now.
(1) Achievement of system of management support by top-down management of prompt
decision by owner management and specialist board member.
(2) Realization of efficient social management that makes industrial field reorganization after
the Asian currency crisis in 1997.
(3) Promotion of school training to educate real cosmopolitan.
(4) Promotion of corporate education to cultivate international business-men.
(5) International business development of which background is limit of domestic market.
(6) Realization of industrial-government-academic, financial integral strategy promotion
system.
(7) Co-operations with the United States.
And, we must not overlook the foundation of economic development promotion system ofSouth Korea. In addition, it is necessary to point out that the strength of the president's
constitutional powers.

13

4. Shadow of South Korean economy
However, there is naturally a problem also in the South Korea economy said it is good.
Therefore, I want to enumerate some such key points to make sure.
(1)The problem of the feared fiscal revenue and expenditure must exist when deteriorating in
the future.
(2)Be in the state of the balance of international payments balance in which the vulnerability isleft still.
(3) Further weakening anxiety of domestic demand section according to falling birthrate andaging(4) The anxiety of the unbalance in the economic framework.
5. Complex international situation and South Korea
It might be U.S.-Britain Israel the possession of the anxiety though the posture of cooperation isshown to politics, military affairs, and China that strengthens the influence on the economic front
in the world.
Recognition that Lee Myung-bak administration well understood the world power balance andwell use it for its diplomatic economic policy.
6.

What is the point Japan should learn from South Korea?
(1) "[Nunchirurupoda]" = [nunchi] perceiving the best situation for oneself beforehand while
analyzing it = Mind.
(2) The top down decision making system. And strong will that thinks change to be naturally
healthy(3) Promotion of the education system for cultivating cosmopolitan.
(4) Promoting the strategy to which economic growth is maintained, and stabilized by theexternal demand dependence.
(5) Promotion of industrial-government-academic cooperation with financial sector.
(6)South Korea develops the business exchanges such as the Middle East and Africa Russia,
Australia, Canada, China, India and so on. Those are the so-called resource countries,
volume zone area and the niche markets.

【Material 1】
GDP (Bio US$)GDP Growth Rate (%)
Trade (Bio US$)
Trade Growth Rate (%)
Export (Bio US$)
Export Growth Rate (%)
Import (Bio US$)
Import Growth Rate (%)
Export/GDP (%)
Foreign Debt (Bio US$)
Foreign Reserve (Bio US$)
Exchange Rate (Won/1US$)
End of the year
Interest Rate (%)
End of the year
KOSPI (Index)
End of the year
CPI (%)
Unemployment Rate (%)
Population (Mio )

2008
930.9
2.3
857.3
+17.7
422.0
+13.6
435.3
+22.0
45.3
377.6
201.2
1,100.50

2009
832.9
0.2
686.6
-2.0
363.5
-13.9
323.1
-25.8
43.6
399.8
270.0
1,275.00

2010*9,863(P)*QⅢ 4.4*QⅢ 222.9
N.A.
*QⅢ 117.2*QⅢ +23.7*QⅢ 105.7*QⅢ +24.6
N.A.
415.4
289.8
1,181.10

3.00

2.00

2.25

1,124.50

1,682.80

1,904.60

4.7
3.2
48.61

2.8
3.6
48.76

*QⅢ 2.9*QⅢ 3.6
48.91

As of 2009: Fiscal Deficit against GDP=5.0%
As of 2009: Samsung Group against GDP= about 20%
against Export=about 20%
14

【Material 2】Major Country/Economic Outline

Sou rc e :Th e Offic ial Date of Eac h c ou n try
Ite m
Population(MIO)
GDP（Bio US$）ＧＤＰ per Person（US$）

S.Kore a M.Ch in a Ph illipin s Th ailan d Malasia Indonesia Vie tn am In dia
U.S.A
German
Japan
49
1,328
91
66
27
228
86
1,182
305
82
128
986
4,520
168
272
222
512
90
1,207
14,441
3,673
4,887
20,164
3,403
1,852
4,108
8,118
2,238
1042
1021
47,39344,72938,271

GDP Growth Rate（％）
15

2007年
2008年
2009年

5.1
2.3
0.2
2.8
290

消費者物価上昇率（％）
Foreign Reserve(Bio US$)Long Term Coutry Rating

Moody's
S&P

Aa
A

13
9.4
8.7
-0.7
23,992
A1
A+

7.1
3.8
0.9
3.2
378
Ba3
BB+

4

4.9
2.5
-2.3
-0.8
1,354
Baa1
A-

6.2
4.6
-1.7
0.6
954
A3
A+

6.3
6
4.5
4.8
635
Ba2
BB+

8.5
6.2
5.3
6.7
188
Ba3
BB+

9.4
7.3
5.7
10.9
2,652
Ba2
BBB-

2.1
0.4
-2.4
-0.3
1,197
Aaa
AAA

2.5
1.2
-5
0.1
605
Aaa
AAA

2.4
-1.2
-5.2
-1.4
10,249Aa2
AA

KWON Taek-myungStanding Director, KEB Foundation (Korea)
Open Regionalism through the Open Mindedness of the People in the Region
1. Korea’s view on “Regionalism” or “Open Regionalism”
Heavily dependent on its global counterparts, Korea inevitably embraces openness to global
economic activities. Hence, it is necessary to pursue comprehensive cooperation and close
solidarity with East Asia in many areas including economic activities. Given that open
regionalism, rather than closed regionalism, is preferred in formulating desirable regionalism inEast Asia. There are views that encompass the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, India, Mongolia,
and Russia (the Far East), in addition to ASEAN plus 3.
Of late, it has become more common to find such terms as “One Asia” or “New Asia” in Korean
journalism. Maeil Economic Daily, one of the major financial dailies in Korea, has published a“One Asia Strategic Report,” after running a column on that issue. This year, it began a column
under the title of “New Asia and Korea,” and continues to draw much attention to that theme.
Recently, Maeil Economic Daily and North-East Asia Research (NEAR) Foundation put forth
the concept of the “New Asia Hexagon: as Korea’s New Asia strategy: 1. A small triangle
comprising of Korea, China and Japan. 2. A large triangle that links Korea/China/Japan, ASEAN,
and India. 3. A Lozenge that links the large triangle and Australia/New Zealand. 4. A hexagon
that links Lozenge and Middle East/Central Asia/ Mongolia/Siberia. According to the New Asia
Hexagon, it goes beyond East Asia to embrace an expanded Asia based on more open
regionalism.
2. Suggestions for regional cooperation toward “Open Regionalism”
Just as in the term “Market-driven Integration,” economic issues are the most basic driving factor.
Cooperation at government and corporate levels among countries in East Asia has already been
well established through various channels. However, when sensitive issues arise between regions
or countries, the established governmental or corporate channels of cooperation tend to revert torigid relations, or go through difficult times.
Having said that, I think it is necessary to first of all approach the “New Perspectives” in regional
cooperation toward open regionalism in East Asia, with an open mindedness among countries in
the region. Although it looks idealistic, utopian, or theoretical, the following are to bepresupposed and mutually agreed.
(1)

Preparation of institutional and normative frames that canmarket/economy-driven integration(a) The spirit of pursuing the similarity while respecting the difference(b) A win-win spirit

back

up

the

(2) Some methodological proposals(a) Expanded exchange of peoples between countries
Above all, the following areas will have to be boosted: ①Academic exchanges of
educated people ②Cultural exchanges of artists ③Exchanges of youths and students(b) Strengthened NGO, NPO activities(c) Enhanced corporate responsibilities(d) Increased media participation(e) Enhanced understanding of other cultures (multiculturalism)

16
4

YANO Takuya

Executive Secretary GFJ / Senior Research Fellow, JFIRNew Perspectives on Regional Cooperation in East Asia:
What is Expected of Japan?
1. Triad of Globalism-Regionalism-Nationalism(1) These 3 “isms” are not exclusive to each other, but complementary to each other(2) Regional cooperation should be discussed within the context of interactions ofthese 3 “isms”(3) Open Regionalism: not “isolationism” or “autarkism,” but a movement to strategicallycombine global norms with regional order(4) End of dichotomy
2. Asia’s rise
(1) Asia’s emerging economies; from “factory of the world” to “market of the world”(2) Shift from export driven economy to internal demand-led economy(3) Expansion of urban middle-class(4) High intensity of FDI(5) A case of Singapore(6) Weakness of rising economies; lack of incentives to contribute to rule making in linewith universal values and norms, and formation of international public goods
3. Japan’s relative decline(1) Failed to shift from export driven economy based on US and EU markets(2) Low birth rate, aging society, shrinking domestic market(3) Boasts high level of technology but lacks strategic thinking how to take advantage of it(4) Strength of Japan; high level of technology, willingness to become a responsible player
in the international community, potentials to revitalize its economy
4. Agenda for Japan to lead Asia to become a responsible player in the international community(1) To restore globally balanced economy in trade and investment(2) To devise ways to achieve green and sustainable regional economy(3) To-create internal demand of East Asia as a whole(4) Validity and possibility of “Wimbledon Effect” in East Asia
(5) Strategy for setting East Asian regional standard to serve as international public goods

HORIKANE Yumi

Associate Professor, Meiji University
East Asia as the Framework for Japan’s Regional Cooperation
1. “Shrinking” Japan and Emerging Opportunities in Asia
- Huge and diverse demands for better quality goods- Japan perceived as “cool” and reliable in the region- But huge costs are expected for transformation/accommodation→ How to manage the costs and take the opportunities?
175

2. East Asia as a Region- Rapid economic growth and the East Asian Miracle- The Flying Geese and deepening inter-dependence- The Developmental State and embedded autonomy- Sense of “crisis” and the national consensus for economic growth- The Crises of 1997 and the search for regional cooperation
3. Japan in East Asia: A Prospect for Becoming a Regional Soft Power to Facilitate Cooperation- Needs for change—“the Opening (Heisei no kaikoku)” ?
- Change to be driven by incentives to enhance motivation rather than just by a political will→(1) New priorities and rents, PPP(Public-Private Partnership), etc.
(2) Creation of social capital for regional cooperation→“Cool Asia” campaign in Japan to fill the perception gaps?

【Material】

18
6

4. An Introduction to the Global Forum of Japan (GFJ)【 Objectives 】 As we embrace the 21st century, international relations are becoming increasingly interdependent, andglobalization and regionalism are becoming the big waves. In this global tendency, communicating with the world, especiallyneighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region at both governmental and non-governmental levels, is one of the indispensableconditions for Japan to survive. On the basis of such understanding, The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ) aims to promote theexchange of views on commonly shared interests and issues in the field ranging from politics and security to the economy, trade,finance, society and culture, and to help business leaders, Diet members and opinion leaders both in Japan and in their counterpart
countries to discuss the formulation of new orders in global and regional arenas.
【History】 The 1982 Versailles Summit was widely seen as having exposed rifts within the Western alliance. Accordingly, there
were expressed concerns that the summit meetings were becoming more and more stylized rituals and that Western solidarity was
at risk. Within this context, it was realized that, to revitalize the summit meetings, there must be free and unfettered exchanges ofprivate-sector views to be transmitted directly to the heads of the participating states. Accordingly, Japanese former Foreign
Minister OKITA Saburo, U.S. Trade Representative William BROCK, E.C. Commission Vice President Etienne DAVIGNON, andCanadian Trade Minister Edward LUMLEY, as representatives of the private-sector in their respective countries, took the initiativein founding The Quadrangular Forum in Washington in September 1982. Since then, the end of the Cold War and the alterednature of the economic summits themselves had made it necessary for The Quadrangular Forum to metamorphose into The Global
Forum established by the American and Japanese components of The Quadrangular Forum at the World Convention in
Washington in October 1991. In line with its objectives as stated above, The Global Forum was intended as a facilitator of global
consensus on the many post-Cold War issues facing the international community and reached out to open its discussions not only
to participants from the quadrangular countries but also to participants from other parts of the world. Over the years, the gravityof The Global Forum's activities gradually shifted from its American component (housed in The Center for Strategic andInternational Studies) to its Japanese component (housed in The Japan Forum on International Relations), and, after the Americancomponent ceased to be operative, the Board of Trustees of the Japanese component resolved, on February 7, 1996, that it would
thereafter act as an independent body for organizing bilateral dialogues with Japan as a hub for all countries in the world, andamended its by-laws accordingly. At the same time, The Global Forum's Japanese component was reorganized into The Global
Forum of Japan (GFJ) in line with the principle that the organization be self-governing, self-financing, and independent of any
other organization.
【 Organization】 The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan, and independent membershiporganization in Japan to engage in and promote international exchanges on policy-oriented matters of bilateral, regional and global
implications. While the secretariat is housed in The Japan Forum on International Relations, GFJ itself is independent of any otherorganizations, including The Japan Forum on International Relations. Originally established as the Japanese component of The
Quadrangular Forum at the initiative of HATTORI Ichiro, OKITA Saburo, TAKEYAMA Yasuo, and TOYODA Shoichiro in 1982,
GFJ is currently headed by OKAWARA Yoshio as Chairman and ITO Kenichi as President. The membership is composed of 11
Business Leader Members including the two Governors, MOGI Yuzaburo and TOYODA Shoichiro; 25 Diet Members including thefive Governors, ASAO Keiichiro, HATOYAMA Yukio, KOIKE Yuriko, SUEMATSU Yoshiki, and TANIGAKI Sadakazu; and 82
Opinion Leader Members including the three Governors, HIRABAYASHI Hiroshi, SHIMADA Haruo, and WATANABE Mayu.
Friends and supporters of The Global Forum of Japan are organized into the Supporters’ Club of the Global Forum of Japan.
Financially the activities of GFJ have been supported by the annual membership fees paid by 11 leading Japanese corporations(Toyota Motor Corporation and Kikkoman Corporation contributing 5 shares each, and the other 9 corporations contributing 1 or 2
shares each) as well as by the grants provided by The Japan Foundation, Japan-ASEAN Exchange Projects, Japan-ASEAN
Integration Fund, The Tokyo Club, The Japan-Korea Cultural Foundation, etc. YANO Takuya serves as Executive Secretary.
【Activities】Since the start of The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ) in 1982, GFJ has shifted its focus from the exchanges with the
Quadrangular countries for the purpose of contributing to the Western Summit, to those with neighboring countries in the
Asia-Pacific region including the U.S., China, Korea, ASEAN countries, India, Australia, European countries, and Wider Black Sea
area, for the purposes of deepening mutual understanding and contributing to the formation of international order. GFJ has been
active in collaboration with international exchange organizations in those countries in organizing policy-oriented intellectual
exchanges called “Dialogue.” In order to secure a substantial number of Japanese participants in the “Dialogue,” GFJ in principle
holds these “Dialogues” in Tokyo. A listing of topics of “Dialogues” and its overseas co-sponsors in the last six years is given
below.

Year

2011

Month

Topic

Co-sponsor

International Studies Department, Vietnam National University

September

East Asia in Transition and New Perspectives on Regional
Cooperation
The Japan-U.S. Relations in the Era of Smart Power
Prospects of Changing Black Sea Area and Role of Japan
Promoting Japan-China Cooperation on Environmental Issues ofthe 21st Century: In Pursuit of Recycling Society
Promoting Japan-U.S. Cooperation in Non-Traditional Security:
the Case of Counter Piracy
East Asian Regional Architectures and Japan-India Relations

April
June
September

US-Japan Relations Under the New Obama Administration
Prospect of Japan-China Relationship in the Changing World
Japan-ASEAN Cooperation amid the Financial and Economic Crisis

National Committee on American Foreign Policy (U.S.)
China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (China)
ASEAN-ISIS

JanuaryJune

An East Asian Community and the US
Cooperation in Environment and Energy

February
January
February

2010

2009

2008

May

July
September
January

2007

2006

June
July
NovemberFebruary
June
September

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation
School of Environment, Beijing Normal University (China)
National Bureau of Asian Research (U.S.)
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (India)

The Council on East Asia Community, The Pacific Forum CSIS (U.S.)
The Council on East Asian Community，The East Asian Institute of
National University of Singapore(Singapore)
Japan -China Relations Entering A New Stage
Institute of Japanese Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary
International Relations (China)
Prospect of Japan-ASEAN Partnership after the Second Joint ASEAN-ISIS
Statement on East Asia Cooperation
The China-Japan Relationship and Energy and Environmental Issues
The US-Japan Alliance in the 21st Century
The Challenges Facing Japan and ASEAN in the New Era
Japan and Black Sea Area in the Rapidly Changing World
Review and Perspective of the Japan-Taiwan Relationship
An East Asian Community and the United States
Prospect for Japan-ASEAN Strategic Partnership after the First
East Asia Summit

19

China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (China),
Energy Research Institute, National Development and Reform
Commission (China), The Japan Forum on International Relations
National Committee on American Foreign Policy (U.S.)ASEAN-ISIS
Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Embassy ofTurkey, University of Shizuoka
Taiwan International Studies Association (Taiwan)
The Pacific Forum CSIS (U.S.), The Council on East Asian Community
ASEAN-ISIS5. Faculty of International Studies Department, Vietnam National University
International Studies became one of the majors in the Faculty of History in 1993 in a close association with the
Department of World History. Two years later, Vietnam National University-Hanoi decided to establish the Faculty ofInternational Studies belonging to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on October 21st, 1995.
International Studies was then a new subject in Vietnam.
The Faculty has been favored by Vietnam’s open policy and extension of its external relations and the University’s
objective to become an interdisciplinary, multi-disciplines one. However, the process of setting up this new subject has
faced with many obstacles such as the limitation of the number of faculty, the inadequate of curricula, textbooks,
facilities and the difference in understanding what International Studies is. After more than ten years of development
since its inception, the Faculty of International Studies has recorded some great achievements.
The Faculty provides three specialties including International Relations (IR), European Studies and American Studies.
In addition to completing and upgrading its undergraduate curricula, the Faculty has accomplished its graduate
program of International Relations at the master level.
Apart from training activities, the Faculty pays much attention to researches to serve its training activities andinternational integration. These researches focus on two objectives: to best serve its training activities and international
integration. Researches, including those on Globalization, International Relations after the Cold War, NAFTA, US
Economics, US Foreign Policy, US Cultural Characteristics, EU Foreign Policy, German Cultural Life, British Common
Wealth, have well served the Faculty as textbooks and reference materials and improved training quality. There havebeen many researches and scientific projects such as Vietnam-ASEAN Relations and other articles were published onprestigious journals.

【Contact Information】
No. 336 Nguyen Trai road - Hanoi - Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 3858 3799. Fax: (84-4) 3858 3821. Email: ico@ussh.edu.vn

20

6. An Introduction to the Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR)【History and Purpose】
The Japan Forum on International Relations, Inc.
(JFIR or The Forum) was founded on March 12, 1987
in Tokyo on the private initiative of Dr. OKITA Saburo,
former Foreign Minister, Mr. HATTORI Ichiro who
contributed the endowment, and 61 otherindependent citizens from business, academic,
political, and media circles of Japan, recognizing that apolicy-oriented research institution in the field ofinternational affairs independent from thegovernment was most urgently needed in Japan. JFIR
celebrated its 20th anniversary on March, 2007.
The Forum is a private, non-profit, independent,
and non-partisan organization dedicated to improved
understanding of Japanese foreign policy andinternational relations. The Forum takes no
institutional position on issues of foreign policy,
though its members are encouraged not only toanalyze but to propose alternatives on matters of
foreign policy. Though the Forum helps its members
to formulate policy recommendations on matters of
public policy, the views expressed in such
recommendations represent in no way those of theForum as an institution and the responsibility for thecontents of the recommendations is that of thosemembers of the Forum who sign them alone.
【Organization】
JFIR is a membership organization with four
categories of membership, namely, ① corporate, ②
associate corporate, ③ individual and ④ associateindividual. It is governed by the Board of Directors,
which is in charge of the management, and issupervised by the Board of Trustees, which elects the
Directors and advises the Board of Directors. The
Steering Committee coordinates the annual work
program while fundraising and financial matters arehandled by the Financial Committee. Advisors give
advice at Board of Directors meetings, while
Counselors serve the President as his advisors. The
Chairman, President and Executive Director are
elected for two-year terms by the Board of Directors
and are eligible for reelection.
【Board of Directors】
The members of the Board of Directors are:
[Chairman] IMAI Takashi, [President] ITO Kenichi,[Vice President] HIRABAYASHI Hiroshi,[Members] HANDA Haruhisa, TAKUBO Tadae,
WATANABE Mayu.

【Activities】
Policy Recommendations :The fundamental purpose of JFIR is to promote
policy-oriented research. Therefore, all the activities
of JFIR are directed towards that purpose. Two
Councils were set up specifically for this. One is forthe policy recommendations in the long-term
perspective and the other is for those in the short-term
and immediate perspective. The former is the Policy
Council and the latter is the Emergency Policy Council.
In the case of the Policy Council, a Task Force headed
by a member of the Policy Council and staffed byresearch fellows of JFIR serves the Plenary Council asassistants for making an intensive in-depth analysis of
the issue and working out a draft of the policy
recommendations. When more than two thirds of thefull members of the Policy Council endorse the draft
or its revision, it is approved and becomes therecommendations of those members of the Policy
Council who sign it. Please note that in this andother cases, the Forum takes no institutional position
on issues of foreign policy, though its members areencouraged not only to analyze but to propose
alternatives on matters of foreign policy. Though theForum helps its members to formulate policy
recommendations, the responsibility for the contents isthat of those members of the Forum who sign themalone. Since 1988 the Policy Council has publicly
announced 33 policy recommendations and presented
them to the Prime Minister of Japan. Recent Policy
Recommendations have covered themes such as“Prospects and Challenges for the Acceptance ofForeign Migrants to Japan”, “Positive Pacifism and the
Future of the Japan-U.S. Alliance,” “Japan’s Strategy
for its Agriculture in the Globalized World,” “Natureof Russian State and Japan’s Strategy towards Russia,”and “India’s Leap Forward and Japan.” Currently JFIR
is preparing new recommendations on " Expansion ofChina and Japan’s Response."
Internet Activities : In tandem with the core activitiesof policy recommen-dations, anotherimportant pillar of our activities is the BBS“Hyakka-Seiho”(http://www.jfir.or.jp/cgi/m-bbs/) started
on April 12, 2006.
English website of JFIRThe BBS is open to21
12(http://www.jfir.or.jp/e/index.htm)

the public, functioning as an interactive forum fordiscussions on foreign policy and international affairs.
All articles posted on the BBS are sent through themonthly e-mail magazine “Meru-maga Nihon
Kokusai Fōramu” in Japanese to 10,000 readers.
Furthermore, articles worth attention are translated
into English and posted on the English website of JFIR
as “JFIR Commentary,” as well as introduced in thee-mail magazine “JFIR E-Letter” in English as “JFIR
Commentary of the Month.” “JFIR E-Letter” isdelivered monthly to 10,000 readers worldwide.

Regular Research Programs : JFIR’s various
researchers from both Japan and abroad are engaged
in research projects either collectively or individually,
and the results of their research are published in aseries of reports. Currently JIFR is carrying out several
Research Programs including on “the U.S.-Japan
Alliance and Japanese Diplomacy in the Era of 'Smart
Power’,” and “New Perspective on East AsianRegional Cooperation and Challenges of Japan's
Policy.” The former explores the future visions of the
U.S.-Japan alliance and its implications for Japanese
foreign and security policies in an era when the
spectrum and the characteristic power in international
relations is transforming to include both hard and soft
powers. The latter explores and proposes Japan’s
future policies from new -points of view toward East
Asia where a regional community is being created.

International Exchanges : Through policy-focusedinternational exchange, JFIR not only keeps abreast of
global public opinion, but strives to play a part in theformation of a public opinion that reflects Japan’s
positions. With this in mind, JFIR has been sponsoring
international dialogues, meetings, symposia andworkshops. As of September 2010 JFIR has held 75
such international exchange meetings. The latest event
was “Japan-U.S. Roundtable to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the revision of the Japan-U.S. Security
Treaty,” under the theme of “The Japan-U.S. Alliance
at 50: Crossroads or Continuity?” in Tokyo on 24 May,
2010. In addition, JFIR supports similar activities of its
sister organization, The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ).

Special Study Projects : In addition to the Regular
Research Programs cited above, JFIR organizes
multi-year Special Study Projects on an ad hoc basis toconduct research, exchanges, and recommendations
on international and diplomatic issues that demandattention, with the results announced to the public.
The main projects which have been conducted
recently are as follows:
1. “Japan-U.S. Joint Research Program on Counter
Piracy” aims to explore how the Japan-U.S. relations
could contribute in addressing piracy, which in recent
years has become a source of threat to the international
community.
2. “Study Group on Japan's National Strategy”
aims to play the role of a bridgehead for strengthening
strategic way of thinking in Japan. The members of theStudy Group consisted of scholars, politicians andgovernment officials.
3. “Network of East Asian Think-tanks (NEAT)”
aims at the creation of a network of think-tanks in
ASEAN+3 nations, for research collaboration on the
integration of the East Asia region.
4. “East Asia Forum (EAF)” aims at enhancing
understanding
andcooperation
among
industry-government-academia in ASEAN+3 nations.
5. “Russian Study Group” aims to study Japan’s
strategy toward Russia, particularly in relation to theNorthern Territories issue.
6. “ Chechnya Study Group” aims to raise
understanding and awareness of the Chechnya issue
in Japan. It invited to Japan an eleven member.

Foreign Policy Briefing : Foreign Policy Briefing
meeting is organized monthly to provide an occasion
for members of JFIR to meet, in an informal andconfidential manner, senior officials of the Japanese
Government and other authorities in the field ofinternational affairs. Speakers are invited to give a talkand is followed by questions and answers. The
meeting is conducted in Japanese. Foreign Policy
Briefing meeting is held under the co-sponsorship of
JFIR with its sister organizations, GFJ, and The Council
on East Asian Community (CEAC).
Diplomatic Roundtable : Diplomatic Roundtable
meeting is organized, taking advantage of an occasionof a visit to Japan of a person prominent in various
fields of activities abroad, for the purpose of providing
an occasion for the visiting speaker to meet andexchange views with members of JFIR. Unless the
speaker agrees to speak in Japanese, English is, inprinciple, the language used in the Roundtable and noTranslation is provided. Diplomatic Roundtable
meeting is held under the co-sponsorship of JFIR with
its sister organizations, GFJ and CEAC.

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The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ)
2‐17‐12‐1301, Akasaka, Minato‐ku,
Tokyo, 107‐0052, Japan
TEL: +81‐3‐3584‐2190 / FAX: +81‐3‐3589‐5120
URL: http://www.gfj.jp / E‐mail: info@gfj.jp

The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ)
The Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR)
2‐17‐12‐1301, Akasaka, Minato‐ku,
Tokyo, 107‐0052, Japan
TEL: +81‐3‐3584‐2190 / FAX: +81‐3‐3589‐5120
URL: http://www.gfj.jp / E‐mail: info@gfj.jp