Housing three of the world’s largest economies and most influential nations — China, Japan, and South Korea — as well as Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, and Taiwan — East Asia is a vital center of gravity in the Asia-Pacific. East Asia’s economic development has transformed the economic and strategic dynamic beyond Asia as well, boosting growth and trade across the globe. At the same time, festering historical disagreements, long-standing instability on the Korean Peninsula, enduring maritime disputes, and China’s growing military power raise a number of security concerns for the region and the world.

ASPI’s work on East Asia focuses on enhancing cooperation and dialogue within the region and between its countries and the United States. It also aims to develop mechanisms to enhance regional security, prosperity, and sustainability. For instance, ASPI is working to create a roadmap for linking carbon markets in China, Japan, and the South Korea to facilitate trilateral cooperation and their emissions reduction efforts. It is also engaged in a major initiative to decrease misperceptions and increase cooperation and trust between the U.S. and China. Through public events and expert commentary, ASPI also furthers understanding of the region in the rest of the world.