ONE ASIA: The impossible dream?
With all the conflicts in Asia (territorial disputes between China and its neighbors) and the wide disparities in the economic status of countries in Asia (compare Singapore and Laos), one must wonder if there is even hope for a ONE ASIA. Yet one can also consider that regional groupings have been established both within Asia (Association of Southeast Asian Nations –ASEAN) and even reaching out beyond Asia (Asia Pacific Economies –APEC) that continue to exist if not flourish, strengthening ties, lowering barriers and promoting peace and prosperity. This is should give us, the forever optimists, hope.
We can visualize what ONE ASIA could be. First, an ASIA that is devoid of conflict. Peace always has its dividends – less money for arms, more money for social services; less barriers to trade and movement of human resources, more economic growth; less an inward looking mindset, more an openness leading to collaboration and reaching out by the strong and developed to the weak and struggling. Second, an ASIA that can compete at equal footing or even at an advantage with the European Union and the Americas; bringing not a stalemate but a global progress based on mutual interdependence and respect for each other.
Third, an ASIA vibrant with creativity and innovation anchored on a deep reservoir of human resources, natural wealth and created assets. One can go on and on but the benefits of ONE ASIA are clear.
The question is –how do we go from here? A common refrain is for Asia to look to the West for models and answers. It has been proposed on many occasions to consider the European Union. One is naturally hesitant to embrace such propositions given the state of the European Union today and the incessant conflicts in Europe. One is reminded that many of the foundations of Western civilization and growth originated from the East. So, why should one not look within Asia for the beginnings of ONE ASIA?
I would propose that the ASEAN is the best building block for ONE ASIA. Its aims and purposes could easily be adopted by the rest of Asia, especially China, Japan, and Korea. Let us review a few:
1. To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations. (Focusing not just on the economy will enhance the bonds within ONE ASIA since there will be a better understanding and appreciation of each nation’s sociocultural roots.)
2. To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest to the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields. (A ONE ASIA approach to climate change, depletion of natural resources, disaster management would have a tremendous beneficial effect on all.
3.To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their people (The synergy of the efforts of the big and small nations of ONE ASIA should transform Asia into the world’s best infrastructure network, highest per capita income, and skyrocketing trade.)
More important in following ASEAN is that ONE ASIA can then highlight its unity amidst diversity with can be gleaned from the fundamental principles of the ASEAN:
1.Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and the national identity of all nations;
2.The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion;
3.Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;
4.Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;
5.Renunciation of the threat of use of force; and
6.Effective cooperation among themselves.
Following these principles with make ONE ASIA a sustainable grouping and become a model for the rest of the world.
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