The People's Republic of China (PRC), Japan, and the United States: Deeper Integration Workshop

In cooperation with the East–West Center, the Asia–Pacific Center of the Brandeis University, and Nihon University, ADBI organized a workshop, in Tokyo, on 28-29 May 2009, on the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the United States: Deeper Integration. Participants at the conference—consisting of academics, policymakers, representatives from regional offices of multilateral agencies, and private sector representatives—discussed the nature of the existing structural linkages among the three countries and explored measures for improving the policy framework that supports their deepening economic integration. The conference was divided into four sessions. The first session highlighted an overview of the trade and FDI linkages among the three countries, focusing on the factors underlying trade growth among the PRC, Japan, and the US, and how FDI has played an important role in their economic cooperation. The second session examined knowledge spillovers of FDI and the processing trade in the PRC. The third session was a high-level panel discussion with distinguished speakers representing governments, research institutes, and multinational institutions. The high-level panel discussed prospects of cooperation among the PRC, Japan, and the US, focusing on the current impact of the crisis on Asia as to whether it is going to be a lasting phenomenon, roles of new forums like the G20 in the international architecture, and political issues among the three countries and East Asia. Panelists argued that the need for cooperation among the PRC, Japan, and the US is not only important for these three countries but for the deeper regional integration in East Asia as a whole. Although the cooperation among the three giants is essential in regional integration, political issues are a hurdle suspending substantial integration to happen in East Asia. The final session discussed policy issues related to the global economic crisis, international trading system, and regional economic integration.