China's Participation In The Strategic Thinking Of The East Asian Regional Cooperation

International political and economic environment has undergone tremendous changes after the Cold War. Against the background of regional cooperation, East Asia has joined the historical process of regionalization. As a big power in East Asia, China has participated in the regional cooperation from the very beginning and China probably will play a dominant role in the future. Utilizing regionalism as a tool, this thesis explores China's gains and losses in East Asian regional cooperation through the review and analysis of its historical development and from the point of safeguarding national interests. Then this thesis attempts to offer some strategic proposals on China's cooperation policy. Chapter one is a detailed introduction to the research background and the research theory. Chapter two reviews the historical development of East Asian Cooperation and China's important role in this process. Chapter three gives a full analysis not only on the thorny difficulties and obstacles China is facing but also the pros and cons China's participation will bring concerning national interests. Based on the above analysis, this thesis holds that China has made great contribution to the regional cooperation in East Asia. To safeguard its national interests to the greatest extent, China needs comprehensive thinking and proper self-positioning. The thesis provides several policy recommendations in conclusion.