A Multilateral Security Cooperation Framework for Northeast Asia: Problems and Considerations

　　Abstract: Since the end of the Cold War, efforts to establish a multi-lateral security cooperation framework in East Asia have either been ineffective, have been prematurely aborted, or have developed into nothing more than “official talkshops”. The primary reason for the failure of East Asia to build a multi-lateral security framework is that the major military powers in the region have not been able to cooperate in bearing the region’s security leadership responsibility. As a result, all proposed frameworks have lacked legitimacy, rendering them incapable of taking action on security issues. A successful multi-lateral security cooperation framework must meet four requirements: (1) it must be established on the basis of military power; (2) Initial membership must be broadly representative, although not necessarily consist of a great number of states; (3) it should be sufficiently representative of interests, and have a well defined scope; (4) Its purpose should be strictly defined and limited, and the contexts of the cooperation should not be easily expanded. The proposed “China, US, Russia plus ASEAN” security framework likely best meets these criteria. As major military powers, China, the US and Russia can provide sufficient military guarantees, while ASEAN can basically represent the security interests of East Asia. At the same time, this represents a relatively small number of initiators, ensuring the efficiency of cooperation.

　　Author: Xu Jin is an Assistant Researcher Professor in the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences