China's Role In Promoting Regional Cooperation In East Asia

In considering the regional mosaic of political, economic, social and cultural diversity, the peace period in East Asia since the World War II has proved quite impressive, while remaining many underlying factors for potential conflicts in the region accentuated by the lack of any strong institutionalized multilateral security mechanisms. A rising China is also one of the main concerns for peace and security in the region. Thus, East Asian countries believe that a security community could be developed through consultation, dialogue and socialization by cultivating mutual trusts. The emergence of East Asian framework has been considered successfully in reconciling states, even though it is not a security organization per se. But security has been the core concern of East Asia's prosperity.Regarding these characteristics of East Asia, the thesis observes the history of China's diplomacy in East Asia; it will focus on China's new diplomacy and new concept of security. The active role of China in the institutional framework as ASEAN Plus Three with multilateral web of diplomacy is also investigated. This thesis suggests one mechanism through which empirically shows innovation of East Asia process in multilateral diplomacy, "Track 2" or non-official track in promoting and building trust. China has actively participated in Track 2 diplomacy which has been vital to East Asia's strategic engagement. The thesis will describe the organization and the function of one particular case of China Track 2 diplomacy, The Network of East Asia Think Tank (NEAT). The "Track 2 diplomacy" will be increasing its role and will lead to a sense of community and absence of war. It is essential to look at this process and the actors within which have accommodated state interests in their deliberations. The state presence is an integrally fundamental nature for strengthening the web of interactions between academes, state apparatuses and society as a whole. The main argument in this thesis is that Track 2 plays an important role in influencing intergovernmental deliberations and behavior. The study is intended to help clarify the significance of China Track 2 activities. The potential to influence government of Track 2 can be significant in keeping the regional peace and stability. However, Track 2 will not be the substitution for official track but complementary instead.Noticeably, the thesis uses "Western" theoretical frameworks in studying East Asian relations. Also, the study engages in a contemporary debates on East Asian international relations, but it recognizes that traditional explanations of East Asia international relations have failed to explain certain aspects in a satisfactory and accurately way. Therefore, it encourages to explain and to analyze East Asian issues through more pragmatic and positive observations.