East Asian assessments of China's security policy

The end of the Cold War has seen the emergence of a more fluid security environment in Asia. The main problem for Japan and the other states of East Asia is forming an assessment of China's intentions and likely actions, given the lack of transparency that still characterizes Beijing's policy in the security area. This article examines the formation of such assessments by the states first of North-East Asia and then of South-East Asia. It considers how bilateral and multilateral security relationships in the Asia-Pacific region are likely to develop in view of existing security arrangements, recent and current areas of difficulty and conflict, and continuing efforts on all sides to avoid tensions and promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.*.