Japan’s role in Asia-Pacific cooperation: Dimensions, prospects, and problems

Abstract

Japan and the United States together have been the dominant economic partners for most other Asia-Pacific countries. However, changes may now swing the balance toward Japan, as it continues to increase bilateral foreign aid to the region, expand its imports from the region, and set up direct investment. Greater Japanese involvement in the region is welcome, but could lead toward a regional bloc centered rather exclusively on Japan. Any such development would not be in the U.S. national interest, and both nations need to follow policies that diminish such possibilities and strengthen the multilateral organizations serving the region.