Turkey and stability in East Asia

Abstract

East Asia is an important region for global stability. Major economies—China, Japan, and South Korea—are located in the region. The phenomenon of a rising China, the response of the United States to a rising China, and the interaction of these two major powers in the area, as well as the relations among the principal actors of the region—the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea—will determine the stability of the region. Realists maintain a pessimistic view regarding a rising China and East Asia; liberals are optimistic and contend that because of the greater economic interdependency of nations in the region, the prospect of a conflict is not likely. However, the long-standing distrust, resentment, and territorial disputes among these nations are drivers of bilateral relations of China, South Korea, and Japan, and these problems may undermine the long-term stability of the region. Turkey is also a growing economy, and stability in East Asia is important for Turkey. Turkey historically has had good relations with China, South Korea, and Japan. Turkey, as a responsible member of the international community, could play a more active role and could contribute to the stability of the region by actively engaging with the three principal actors of East Asia to resolve their problems.