Hindu Editorial Analysis : 14-September-2023

The East Asia region encompasses a cluster of nations, including Greater China (which includes the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, and South Korea. This region lies predominantly within the temperate zone, sharing climatic patterns and natural environments that bear similarities to those found in Europe and southern North America.

The importance of the East Asia region cannot be overstated, and it can be broken down into several key aspects:

Economic Benefit

  • East Asia represents nearly 50 percent of the world’s population and contributes to 20 percent of global trade.
  • It consists of 16 nations that are experiencing rapid economic growth and development.

Regional Security

  • Given ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, in the South China Sea, and in the Taiwan Strait, among other issues, maintaining a common stance on security is crucial for countries like Japan, China, and South Korea in the East Asian region.

Global Implications

  • An East Asia community can play a significant role in encouraging Asian countries to take responsibility for global issues and work together to find solutions.
About the East Asia Summit (EAS)

Origins and Membership

  • The East Asia Summit (EAS) traces its origins back to the 1990 proposal for an East Asian Economic Grouping (EAEG).
  • It was revived through the ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, and South Korea) Summit of Heads of State and Government in 1997 and officially established in 2005.
  • Initially consisting of 16 countries, the EAS has grown to include 18 nations, including the ten ASEAN countries, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Russia.

Leadership and Priorities

  • ASEAN leads the EAS, with the chair position rotating among ASEAN Member States annually.
  • The EAS has seven evolving priorities for regional cooperation, covering areas such as environment and energy, education, finance, global health, disaster management, ASEAN connectivity, and maritime cooperation.
The 18th East Asia Summit (EAS)

Leaders’ Declaration on ASEAN

  • The 18th EAS featured the adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration on ASEAN as an Epicenter of Growth.

Plan of Action (POA)

  • The Plan of Action (POA) for the next five years outlines priorities that include implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.

ASEAN and Non-ASEAN States Meeting

  • This meeting provided an opportunity for ASEAN member states and eight non-ASEAN countries to exchange views on regional and global issues.
Significance of the EAS
  • As of the end of 2022, the EAS countries represented over half of the world’s population and accounted for a significant portion of global GDP.
  • Unlike other regional forums, the EAS is inter-regional, including countries from Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australia.
  • It is guided by an open and inclusive regionalism and serves as a major platform for addressing political, security, and economic challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Challenges Faced
  • Complex geopolitical issues and evolving threats pose challenges to the EAS’s role as a forum for dialogue and cooperation.
  • Ongoing disputes, such as the China-Taiwan issue, limit the collaborative framework envisioned for the EAS.
  • Confrontations and contestations among participating countries have affected the effectiveness of the EAS.
  • Concerns have arisen regarding the EAS’s relevance in addressing human security challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict.
The Way Ahead
  • The 18th EAS aimed to strengthen the institution by promoting international cooperation without division or confrontation.
  • Emphasis on ASEAN Centrality, Unity, and the mainstreaming of the AOIP aligns with the visions of EAS participating countries for the Indo-Pacific region.
Why In News

The 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) took place in Jakarta, where leaders from across the region gathered to discuss important regional and global issues. During the summit, key topics such as economic cooperation and regional security were at the forefront of discussions, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic event in fostering collaboration among East Asian nations.

MCQs about East Asia Summit (EAS)

  1. What is the primary focus of the East Asia Summit (EAS)?
    A. Cultural exchange
    B. Economic development
    C. Military alliances
    D. Sports diplomacy
    Correct Answer: B. Economic development
    Explanation: The EAS primarily focuses on economic benefits, representing a significant portion of global trade and comprising nations on a dynamic path of economic development.
  2. Which organization leads the East Asia Summit (EAS), and how is the chair position determined?
    A. United Nations, by popular vote
    B. ASEAN, with a rotating chair position
    C. G7, through a lottery system
    D. NATO, based on military strength
    Correct Answer: B. ASEAN, with a rotating chair position
    Explanation: ASEAN leads the EAS, and the chair position rotates among ASEAN Member States annually.
  3. What is one of the key challenges faced by the EAS according to the essay?
    A. Lack of participation from major Asian powers
    B. A narrow focus on cultural exchange
    C. Ongoing geopolitical disputes among member countries
    D. An excessive emphasis on military cooperation
    Correct Answer: C. Ongoing geopolitical disputes among member countries
    Explanation: The complex geopolitical issues and disputes limit the collaborative framework originally envisioned for the EAS.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading