CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- For geographic and historic reasons, China has been and will always be a factor in Southeast Asia. Of course, the reverse is also true. And as emphasis shifts from bilateral relations to multilateral ties, the ASEAN-China dimension assumes a special meaning, whether viewed alone or within the wider ASEAN plus Three (China, Japan, and South Korea) context.

On June 11, ASEAN Secretary General Rodolfo Severino attended a China-ASEAN meeting held in Guangzhou, China. There he focused on the parameters of competition between China and the ASEAN countries. In particular, the ambassador emphasized the need for fairness -- which acts as a stimulus for mutual benefit -- in competition.

China has, of course, many internal difficulties with which to contend. The same can be said for members of ASEAN. As neighbors they have also had their share of disputes. But the combined potential of a huge market with a population of nearly 1.7 billion people should serve as a guide for leaders and players.

The economic sector is paramount in regional relations. Many positive steps have been taken in this area, such as a network of bilateral currency swaps that has come about through bilateral agreements, such as those Japan has with Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea. More such kinds of agreements are welcome.

Interaction has also increased among the region's foreign ministers as well as among eminent personalities from China and ASEAN states.

One expects and hopes that more will be done in this direction as well. Solely focusing on economic issues results in a dearth of the kind of interaction among people in a variety of spheres -- such as culture, human resources, health and the environment -- that is necessary for the development of well-rounded, deeply rooted ties.

In fact, the expansion of business ties could be greatly facilitated if encounters in many other fields are encouraged. Policymakers should never lose sight of the fact that the ultimate goal is to secure peace and stability in the region. Progress in economic cooperation would be meaningless if it existed without mutual trust and strategic tranquillity.

It is therefore gratifying to learn from Severino that political consultations between senior foreign-ministry officials of China and ASEAN are now taking place. Such exchanges have proven extremely useful in the preparation and in the followup of ministerial encounters.

Perhaps one way to further improve such consultations would be to have strategic analysts and academics join senior officials.

Interaction between China and ASEAN can play a great role in strengthening regional ties, especially if it is harmonized within the broader context of ASEAN Plus Three, with coordinated efforts and with the participation of as many players as possible.

Elements from similar exchanges between Japan and South Korea could also enrich the China-ASEAN formula, and vice versa.

Indeed, since the primary goal of these interactions is enhanced benefits for all, all should be involved and encouraged to join in the process -- not only government officials and business-people, but the whole private sector, including journalists, thinkers, and anyone else who can contribute toward the realization of peace and stability.

Idealistic or not, this is the task at hand.