The year 2005 is likely to be remembered as the year when rivalry between Japan and China over how to create a new international order reached a high point.
Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council failed in the face of China's persistent moves to rally Asian and African countries against that attempt.
The two Asian giants, aiming to take the leadership position in an East Asian community, conducted an aggressive diplomatic campaign last December to win over the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The campaign caused concerns over regional cooperation within ASEAN, which would form the core of the community.