CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- The Japan-ASEAN Summit on Dec. 11-12 has already been broadly analyzed and generally hailed as a kind of embryonic con- ceptualization of the long-term goal of creating an "East Asian Community." So what could one possibly add to this debate by comparing the reactions between Tokyo and the capitals of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and focusing on long-term rather than short-term perspectives?
First, the fact that the summit, despite reservations regarding the agricultural sector especially, was recognized as a success -- even if a qualified one -- suggests an imperative for Japan to embark on further undertakings of this kind. As a more deeply incorporated part of its foreign policy agenda, Japan must engage Southeast Asia -- and Asia in general -- in ways that go beyond official development assistance, or at least correct this monodimensional perception.
Japan has been quite active in other areas but has had limited success in projecting its achievements. Continuous hammering by foreign observers on the lack of reforms in the archipelago is valid, but it can result in damaging the overall picture. This is something that the Japanese government must address. More initiatives for constructive meetings in the Japanese capital will be necessary.