Many other positive developments in the region deserve to be noted. After the collapse of the USSR, Kazakhstan joined the NPT after closing its nuclear test site and returning former Soviet nuclear weapons to the Russian Federation. Japan has continued its unrelenting efforts on behalf of global nuclear disarmament goals, an effort most recently advanced by its support for the work of the Tokyo Forum for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. In this light, it is certain that Asia can and must play a crucial role in building support for the global norm of nuclear disarmament. In many respects, the future of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regimes can undoubtedly be influenced by developments in Asia.
Nobody disputes that Asia is a region of both extraordinary possibilities and extraordinary risks.
If there is ever to be a global regime to curtail or eliminate the production or storage of weapons-usable nuclear material, it will not happen without Asia. If the world is ever to negotiate universally-binding norms against the proliferation of missiles or missile defense systems, it will not happen without Asia. And if the world expects to fulfill the long-sought dream of eliminating all nuclear weapons, it too will not happen without Asia. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has repeatedly emphasized the vital role of civil society in ensuring public accountability, promoting good governance, and building support for global norms. Global nuclear disarmament is surely one of those issues that will require strong public support both within countries and among them.