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VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

DO THI ANH

JAPAN'S ROLE
IN THE PROCESS OF EAST ASIAN
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
Faculty: International economy
Code: 9 31 01 06

SUMMARY OF ECONOMICS PHD THESES

HANOI - 2019


The work was completed at
GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Scientific Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. PhD. Nguyen Canh Hop

Reviewer 1: Prof. PhD. Do Duc Binh

Reviewer 2: Assoc. Prof. PhD. Pham Minh Son

Reviewer 3: Assoc. Prof. PhD. Pham Thu Huong

The dissertation will be defended before the thesis review
council of the Academy at the Graduate Academy of Social Sciences at
hour

minute, day month year.

The thesis can be found at:
- National Library of Vietnam
- Library of Graduate Academy of Social Sciences.


LIST OF RESEARCH WORKS BY AUTHOR
1.

Do Thi Anh (2015), "East Asia Economic Intergration:
Aspects of theory and practice ", The Journal of Northeast
Asian Studies, No. 1 in 2015

2.

Do Thi Anh(2015), "Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP) and Japanese government's attempts ",
The Journal of Northeast Asian Studies, No. 4 in 2015

3.

Do Thi Anh(2017), "The United States’ withdrawal from
TPP : Economic implication and next steps for Japan" The
Journal of Northeast Asian Studies (English), No.1 in 2017

4.

Do Thi Anh(2017), "Japan with the decision to withdraw
from the US TPP: economic influence and coping direction ",

The Journal of Northeast Asian Studies, No. 2 in 2017

5.

Do Thi Anh(2017), "Japan's role in East Asia economic
integration ", The Journal of Northeast Asian Studies, No. 7 in
2017

6.

Do Thi Anh(2018), "Japan’s role in CPTPP", The Journal of
Northeast Asian Studies (English), No. 1 in 2018

7.

Do Thi Anh(2018), "Achievements of the Japanese economy
after 5 years of implementing Abenomics policy ", Finance
Magazine, Ministry of Finance, Term I, March of 2018 (676)

8.

Do Thi Anh(2018), "Japan’s role in CPTPP", The Journal of
Northeast Asian Studies, No. 5 in 2018


INDUCTION
1. The urgency of the subject
Along with the trend of globalization, regional economic
integration has become an indispensable trend in modern international
relations [9]. If we divide the global economy into three "growth poles",

it can be seen that for each of these "growth poles," there is a different
form of economic association/integration: the first is Europe. Europe
(EU), followed by the Americas (NAFTA, MERCOSUR) and the third
is East Asia.
However, unlike expectations, East Asia's economic integration
is not only a long-term process but also very complicated. Firstly, the
participants are not only Governmentsof countries but also Markets and
the People(especially the middle class). Secondly, in terms of scale,
economic integration is not only in the Region (East Asia) but also in
the Sub-Region (ASEAN) and the expanded Area (CEPEA, RCEP,
EAFTA, CPTPP …).Thirdly, in terms of status, along with
Cooperation, there still exists Competition, even Opposition.
East Asia is also undergoing more profound changes than any
other region with a thriving Chinese economy; the two economies of
China and the United States confront fiercely; the central role of
ASEAN is narrowing, etc. However, even when the protectionist and
nationalist

tendencies

of

the

American

government

cause

disappointment in its leadership position in economic and trade
liberalization and its role in regional economic integration, China 's
economy has not yet shown itself to be a convincing leadership model
economy. Many East Asian countries, especially ASEAN, have always
expected a balance factor [15].

1


As an economic power in the region and the world, Japan has a
great influence on the development of East Asian countries and the
process of economic integration. Japanese benefits in this area have
been formed for a long time and Japanese Goverment is always aware
that Japan needs an important role in East Asia.As the leading bird in
"Flying geese pattern" in the 1970s and 1980s, Japan has “dragged on”
many countries to develop together, contributing significantly to the
birth of “East Asian dragons”,“East Asian tigers”. Up to now, apart
from actively promoting economic integration frameworks such as
ASEAN (AFTA, AEC), ASEAN+1 (AJCEP), ASEAN+3 (EAFTA),
ASEAN+6 (CEPEA)…, Japan is also the only economic power in East
Asia and Asia - Pacific to join both important multilateral free trade
frameworks, namely TPP (with the new version is CPTPP) and RCEP.
In such a context, the study of Japan's role in the process of East
Asian economic integration, especially in the rapid change in the
correlation of international power and strategy of superpower
economies is clearly an urgent requirement. In addition to helping to
understand the nature and future of the East Asian integration process,
Japan's real capacity and position in the region, the actors are
dominating international economic relations through the establishment
of and control the "rules" of the East Asian economy, this research is

also a reference in the integration policy planning, serving the country's
development goals and further promoting bilateral relations between
Vietnam and Japan.. In addition, although there are many scientists in
the world as well as Vietnam studying issues related to Japan in East
Asia from many aspects, but studies of Japan's role in the process of
East Asian economic integration are not only lacking in systematic but

2


also really meagre.We may even comment that, after decades of "loss"
and recession, Japan's international economic role seems to have
become a forgotten research topic.
Besides, from the theoretical point of view, it can be seen that so
far there has not been a universal theoretical system of East Asia's
specific regional economic integration (like other regions, especially
EU) as well as there is also no normative analytical framework for the
role of a subject in this process. Therefore, if the role of Japan in the
intergration process is clarified through the thesis, this is also a proof of
the formation of a reasonable analytical framework, which is meant as a
reference for studies on after. These are the reasons that encourage
graduate students to choose the topic “Japan's Role In The Process Of
East Asian Economic Integration” as the PhD thesis after a course of
study and research at the Graduate Academy of Social Sciences.
2. Purpose and mission of the thesis research
2.1. Research purpose
Clarify Japan's role in the East Asian economic integration process,
thereby proposing some policy recommendations for Vietnam.
2.2. Research mission
To achieve the research purpose as above, the thesis must solve the

following specific tasks:
+ Systematize theoretical and practical issues on East Asian economic
connectivity and the role of actors that have an important influence on
this process.
+ Analyze and clarify Japan's role in East Asian economic intergration
from the mid-1980s to the present and forecast the prospects for the
coming years (2019-2025)

3


+ Proposing solutions to help Vietnam’s economy take advantage of the
opportunities derived from the Japanese economy’s role, further
strengthen relations with this important partner, and participate more
actively and effectively in regional economic integration process.
3. Object and scope of the thesis
3.1. Subject of the thesis
The object of study is Japan's role in the process of East Asian
economic integration.
3.2. Scope of the thesis research
- Scope of space:
East Asia according to traditional geographic understanding is an
area of 10 Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN10) and 3 Northeast
Asian countries (Japan, China, South Korea). However, with the
complex geo-economic and geopolitical properties, the concept of East
Asia is increasingly open and dynamic, changing depending on the
context and perspective (for example, the World Bank recently used to
call "East Asia and the Pacific - EAP" instead of "East Asia").
Therefore, based on the dynamic practices of the East Asian economic
integration process, in some contents of the thesis, the scope of the

study will not only be confined internally to the region but also to the
expanded area (including participating countries with interests and
influences in the region, such as India, Australia, New Zealand in
ASEAN + 6, USA and some countries in TPP – CPTPP, so on).
- Scope of time:From about the mid-1980s to the present day
(late 2018) and prospects forecasts until 2025. In particular, to highlight
the transformation of Japan's role in the overall ofintegration process,
the content of main chapter (chapter III) will be divided into two stages:

4


the first stage from the mid-1980s to the early 2010s;the second stage
from the early 2010s to the present day. The reason why PhD students
choose such discernment is because at these two points not only Japan
economy but also the East Asian economic integration process is facing
extremely significant turning points. In particular, the regional and
world economic order are volatile, showing the ability to transfer
economic power from the West to the East, deeply affecting the process
of regional economic integration. Even the scale of integration process,
if it used to be mainly confined within the region, from the early years
of 2010, the scale of the expanded area has become a strong trend and
difficult to be reversed.
- Scope of the study field:


East Asian economic integration process:
It can be seen that East Asian economic integration is actually a

process rather than an outcome or destination. The thesis will consider

this process from two aspects of Reality (Economic integration in terms
of reality, English: De facto economic integration, tiếngNhật: 事実上の
経済統合)and Institution (Institutional economic integration, English:
De jure economic integration, Japanese: 制度的経済統合). In Reality
terms, the thesis focuses mainly on the micro perspective from the
perspective of regional production networks, particularly the fields of
trade and investment.In Institution terms, the analysis will revolve
around macro issues such as the regional free trade agreement. In
addition, also related to the Institution term, it can be seen that since the
early 2010s in East Asia, there have been many competing moves

5


influence, strategy adjustment, forces gathering through the institutions
integration between the two powers China - USA, which greatly
impacting the process of economic integration, breaking the geographic
boundaries previously. For this reason, this thesis will pay special
attention to the transformation of Japan's role in this new situation. In
addition, the introduction of China's BRI strategy has forced the United
States and its allies including Japan to quickly plan both in the field of
infrastructure. Therefore, besides trade, investment and FTA,
infrastructure is also an area that the thesis wants to focus on clarifying.
Within the limited scope of the thesis, other related areas of
regional economic integration such as non-traditional trade (ecommerce, environmental economics, etc), trade in services, transfer of
natural persons, public procurement, intellectual property, economic
diplomacy (official aid from the government - ODA), financial and
monetary field, etc. is only mentioned as general issues but not within
the main scope of the thesis.
 Important influencer/participant: understood as a key participant

country or group, having a great influence on the East Asian
economic integration process in which the role of actors is clarified
and it will highlight the role of Japan. In this thesis, China, the US
and ASEAN (outside Japan) will be considered as important actors
(or participants).
 National role: The understanding of a nation's role in the thesis is
equivalent to its international position, function, influence and
responsibility (international responsibility is an attitude of respect
for international standards, harmonizing national interests, public
interests and legitimate interests of other countries, contributing to

6


the development of legal frameworks suitable to international
conditions, providing international public services, and creating
integration frameworks towards more fairness, democracy and
civilization…)
4. Research mothods of the thesis
4.1. Research methodology
This thesis uses methodologies in scientific research such as
dialectical materialism with the focus on pairs of categories such as
nature-phenomena,

possibility-reality,

causes-results,

etc.;

The

methodology has practical perspective, which attaches importance to
the applicability of the research problem; methodology of historical
materialism by examining things in specific contexts.
4.2. Specific research methods
The main research methods that the thesis uses include:
- Methods of analysis, economic statistics:synthesize and analyze
primary and secondary data information including quantitative analysis
results of reputable published works, so on.
- Comparative method:By using comparative research, Japan's
role in the East Asia economic intergration is not only considered
individually but also placed in the totality of relationships, thereby
evaluate more accurately and objectively about the research object.
- Interdisciplinary research method:As mentioned above, East
Asian economy intergration is a long and complex process with many
problems that we will not be able to fully explain if only research in
economic sector alone. It is required the combination with
interdisciplinary research. For that reason, the dissertation will not only
encapsulate the analysis within the framework of economic disciplines

7


(world economy, international economic relations), but in necessary
cases, there will be interdisciplinary (economic - political) method to
provide a more convincing explanation of practical issues posed to the
East Asian economic intergration and the role of Japanese economy.
5. New contributions to the science of the thesis
The thesis has made new major contributions to science as follows:

Firstly, the thesis contributes to systematize the theoretical issues
about East Asian economic integration, forming a relatively reasonable
research framework on the role of Japanese economy in this process.
Secondly, the thesis helps to have an overview of the whole
process of East Asian economic integration.
Thirdly, the thesis provides quite comprehensive and thorough
assessments of the role of Japan in this process.
Fourthly,

the

thesis

proposes

a

number

of

policy

recommendations for Vietnam on regional economic integration,
making effective use of Japan's role in East Asian economic integration,
further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and
Japan, contributing to the orientation of industrialization, modernization
and sustainable development of Vietnam today.
6. Theoretical and practical meanings of the thesis
6.1. In terms oftheoretically:

The thesis contributes to systematize the theoretical foundations
explaining the progression and necessity of East Asian economic integration,
clarifying the role of Japan in each period, forming a research framework on
Japan's role in East Asian economic integration process.
6.2. In terms of practicality:

8


- Providing meaningful research results that are referenced in
foreign policy making of Vietnamese macro-regulatory agencies.
- Reference for research, teaching and study of international
economic relations.
7. The structure of the thesis
In addition to the Introduction and Conclusion, the thesis consists
of 4 chapters:
Chapter 1. Overview of other studies related to the thesis
theme
Chapter 2. A number of theoretical and practical issues on
East Asian economic integration and the role of an entity
Chapter 3. Current situation of Japan's role in the East Asian
economic integration process
Chapter 4. Vietnam and Japan in East Asian economic
integration process
Chapter 1
OVERVIEW OF OTHER STUDIES
RELATED TO THE THESIS THEME
1.1. Studies related to the theoretical basis of East Asian
economic integration and the role of an entity
1.1.1. Studies related to the theoretical basis of regional

economic integration
Domestic studies has systematized theories explaining the
evolution of East Asia's economic integration, providing a theoretical
background for the trend of forming regional FTAs in East Asia.
In addition, foreign studies have introduced concepts and levels
of intergration as well as theories applied in assessing the economic

9


efficiency of regional trade agreements.
1.1.2. Studies related to the theoretical basis of a nation’s role
in regional interagration
A number of foreign policy studies have given the concept of a
national role in the way a country acts within the framework of an
international system.
1.2. Studies on East Asia economic integration
1.2.1. Domestic studies
In Vietnam, research on East Asian economic integration is
generally quite rich. Many studies have focused on the movement trend
of economic intergration, the nature of economic pairs such as Japan ASEAN, China - Japan, China - US, US - ASEAN...
1.2.2. Foreign studies
These studies describe the progress of East Asian economic
intergration, systematize the reality and challenges and prospects of
economic integration. The new studies focus on explaining the
relationship between the two RCEP and TPP frameworks to find out
whether they are contradictory or complementary, the prospect of
integration when the US’s view on TPP changes.
1.3. Studies on the role of Japan in East Asian economic
integration

1.3.1. Domestic studies
Domestic studies have basically summarized the role of Japan
such as proposing intergration ideas after the 1997 Asian financial
crisis, the idea of the East Asian Community in 2002. Japan’s roles and
motivations in economic intergration as a powerful nation have also
been substantially clarified.

10


1.3.2. Foreign studies
English studies have analyzed almost entirely the Japanese
policies in the field of FTA in East Asia. Many authors have mentioned
Japan in the role of creating a development model in the position of "a
leading goose", Japan before and during the 1997 Asian financial crisis,
Asian expectations for the role of Japan, the role of the state and the
non-government sector of Japan.
Japanese studies have analyzed the need for Japan to play a more
active role as a regional economic power, especially in the stagnancy of
the WTO negotiations.
1.4.Assessing the agreed viewpoints and remaining issues,
identifying the contents that needed to be solved in the thesis
The agreed viewpoints
It can be seen that these are studies of great academic value,
creating a solid foundation for the research process of East Asian
economic integration and the role of Japan, suggesting many ideas in
the direction of development the content of the thesis, providing multidimensional information to help the thesis get a more objective view.
Remaining issues and the contents that will be focused to be
solved in the thesis
Remaining issues: Besides the successful results, there are still

some gaps that need to be continually implemented and updated. In
terms of the time range, the previous studies were mainly limited to a
single period of time, not extended. In terms of the content, many
studies mainly stopped at stating the current situation and prospects,
but did not highlight the nature, motivation and factors affecting the
East Asian economic integration process. Most of the studies, even the

11


recent published ones, have little or no connection with the new topical
trends and issues in the context of the rapidly changing East Asia. In
particular, the number of in-depth studies on Japan's role in economic
integration is extremely modest, while Vietnamese studies in the fields
of culture, politics, security ... are quite popular. Similarly, English
research works are mostly focused on the Japanese foreign policy
content, if a few of theses studies mention the role of the country in East
Asia integration then it just an overview idea, or go into the political and
security sectors. Although the studies written in the native language
Japanese are the closest to the content of the topic, they still tend to look at
the issue from the perspective of Japanese people, applying their own
theories and propositions derived from Japanese interests.
The contents that will be focused to be solved in the thesis
In parallel with inheriting the achievements of previous studies,
the thesis will focus on clarifying Japan's role in the integration process
in practical and institutional aspects, especially when putting it in the
context of confronting with Central American economy. Based on the
acquired

conclusions, the thesis will propose a number of

recommendations and solutions serving the process of making regional
economic integration policies of Vietnnam.
Chapter 2
A NUMBER OF THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL
ISSUES ON EAST ASIAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AND
THE ROLE OF AN ENTITY
2.1. A number of theoretical issues on regional economic
intergration and the role of an entity

12


2.1.1. The theory of regional economic integration on the
institutional aspect
Clarifying the concept of regional intergration, regional
economic intergration, levels of regional economic intergration and
benefits of regional economic intergration (for countries, businesses,
consumers)
2.1.1.4. Other related concepts
Concept of Economic Globalization, Free Trade, Trade
Protection, Regional Trade Agreements, Free Trade Agreements,
Economic Partnership Agreements
The concept, content, methods, development process of FTA,
the "Mega FTAs" are strongly controlling globalization and
regionalization in the world such as TPP RCEP, TTIP, TISA, TFTA,
CFTA.
2.1.2. A number of theories about economic integration on the
practical aspect (De-facto)
Clarifying key concepts and theories related to international

division of labor and regional production networks (David Ricardo and
Hechscher- Ohlin’s theory of comparative advantage, the theory
of ”Fragmentation”, the theory of "Agglomeration" or the Industrial
cluster, theories related to multinational corporations, the theory of
Flying Geese Paradigm ... Based on those theories, the thesis proposes
concepts that will be applied in the thesis.
2.1.3. A number of theories related to the role of an entity in
international relations
Based on comprehensive theories, explanations and terms of role,
the thesis provides concept and a framework of criteria to evaluate the

13


role of an entity in the process of East Asian economic integration.
Depending on the degree to which those criteria are met, the role of an
entity will be assessed as important, positive or not, or indicate specific
roles such as connecting, leading, promoting ...
2.1.4. Basic conditions of East Asian economic integration and
the role of some entities taht have an important influence on the
formation and progress of East Asian economic integration.
Clarifying the premises, causes and contributions that contribute
to the progress of East Asian economic integration.
2.2. The reality of East Asian economic integration
2.2.1.Economic integration on practical aspect - East Asian
production network:
Clarifying the content, nature and meaning of the regional
production network
2.2.2. Economic integration on East Asian institutional aspect
Clarifying frameworks of regional free trade agreements in East

Asia, stating specific content of each framework.
ASEAN (AFTA and AEC):
The frameworks of ASEAN+1: Between ASEAN and China
(ACFTA), Japan (AJCEP), Korea, India (AIFTA), Australia - New
Zealand (AANZFTA) .
ASEAN+3 (EAFTA)
APEC (FTAAP)
CEPEA (ASEAN+6)
TPP and RCEP: Comparing RCEP with TPP to see the goals,
nature and effectiveness with the integration process and the feasibility
level.

14


2.2.3. Some remarks on the East Asian economic integration
process
Firstly, integration on practical aspects.
Second, institutional integration.
Thirdly, in recent years, there has been a new trend in regional
economic integration which is the matter of connecting economic
infrastructure networks.
2.3. The role of a number of important influencers in the process
of East Asian economic integration (ASEAN, China, the US)
2.3.1. The role of ASEAN
Central role of ASEAN: current situation, conditions, challenges.
2.3.2. The role of China
The importance, influence, role enhancement, and success in the
use of economic "cards"
2.3.3. The role of the US

Although the United States is not an East Asian nation, the
country still has a vital role in the process of economic integration.
However, as the United States choose to leave East Asia, the future of
regional integation depends more on China. After the United States left
the TPP, China actively sponsored an open, multilateral order in order
to replace the US leading economic regionalization.
2.4. Conclusion of chapter 2
This chapter summarizes the theoretical and practical issues of
East Asian economic integration and the role of the entities that have
an important influence on this process, thereby forming an analytical
framework for the research object.

15


Chapter 3
CURRENT SITUATION OF JAPAN'S ROLE IN THE EAST
ASIAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION PROCESS
3.1. Major roles of Japan in East Asian economic integration
from the mid-1980s to the early years of the 2010s
3.1.1. Major roles of Japan


Promoting economic integration on practical aspects



The role of an economic power that have important influence in the
region



The role of a promising market that help reduce the dependence on
external supply and demand



Japan's "bridging" role in regional economic integration
3.1.2. Reviews of Japan's role in East Asian economic

integration from the mid-1980s to the early years of the 2010s
In practical terms, Japan has clearly shown its role as a leader in
leading and promoting integration. However, in contrast to the
aforementioned success, it accidentially contributed to promoting the
rise of another power that could threaten Japan's own role. Several
decades of economic recession have made Japan's role in regional
economic integration become blurred. In institutional terms, it can be
seen that so far Japan has not succeeded in creating effective
integration institutions and is also slower than China.
3.2. The prominent role of Japan in the process of economic
integration from early years of 2010s to the present
East Asian economic integration in the context of fierce
competition between the two superpowers have undergone many
changes. The emergence and progress of Mega FTAs such as RCEP,

16


TPP and major economic institutions such as AIIB have shown the
US-China confrontation in shaping ongoing economic and trade

principles. In this section, the thesis clarifies related contents to
highlight the role of Japan in economic integration in the new context.
3.2.1. The advantages and challenges for Japan in enhancing
its role in East Asian economic integration
3.2.1.1. Advantages
Domestic factors: The domestic political situation has become
stable, the economy after decades has shown signs of revival, related to
the soft power is the international recognition, especially the view of
East Asian countries on Japanese role and influence
3.2.1.2. Challenges for Japan in enhancing its role in East Asian
economic integration
Focusing on current main challenges such as the decline in the
role of economic integration on a practical aspect, China the "Threat"
and the US's decision to leave TPP
3.2.2. The role of Japan in the process of East Asian economic
integration in the context of the US-China rivalry
3.2.2.1. The US-China rivalry in the view of two economic
institutions: TPP and AIIB
The analysis aims to clarify the nature of the two institutions,
thereby explaining the reasons why it’s said that TPP and AIIB are
representing the US-China opposition in terms of establishing
economic principles in East Asia, Asia Pacific, specifically with the
following.


Economic significance of TPP - High quality agreement of the
19th century

17



Strategic significance of TPP



AIIB identification



Strategic significance of AIIB



China's vision in promoting regional economic integration and the
reason why the country focuses on infrastructure



The relationship between AIIB and BRI
3.2.2.2. The Japanese response in the context of the US-China

0000000000000000000000000000


Consistently promoting TPP



Maintaining good relations with the US



Strengthening and establishing "alliance" relations with countries
with "same ideas"



TPP rescue effort without US



3.2.2.3. The role of Japan to CPTPP



Overview of CPTPP



The reason Japan promoting TPP11 - CPTPP
The role of Japan to CPTPP
o

Attempting to save the agreement from the risk of collapse
after the US departure

o

Successfully leading CPTPP negotiations

o

Encourage the return of the US to TPP

o

Confirm the position of CPTPP in shaping rules, promoting
free trade and regional economic integration
3.3. Conclusion of Chapter 3

18


Chapter 4
VIETNAM AND JAPAN IN EAST ASIAN ECONOMIC
INTEGRATION PROCESS
4.1. Some forecasts about the future of East Asian economic
integration (from now to 2025) and the role of Japan.
4.1.1. Prospects of East Asian economic integration (from now
on 2025)
East Asia after 2018 is expected to continue to transform
strongly, showing the need for deeper regional economic integration.
The adjustment and implementation of regional initiatives such as
CPTPP, RCEP, APEC Vision after 2020, China's BRI, and IPS / FOIP
of the US continue to take place. Economic, political and security
relations in East Asia will mainly revolve around the central US-China
relationship axis.
As for the prospect of the role of some major parties in East Asia,

China will continue to promote the BRI strategy version 2.0. The US,
in the coming years, will accelerate the implementation of the FOIP
strategy which shows that it will be even tougher for China and
continue to conduct forces presence in the region.
As for ASEAN, the stagnation of ASEAN + 3 and RCEP
frameworks also makes ASEAN's central position become increasingly
narrower, making economic integration more dependent on major
countries.
4.1.2. Prospects of the role of Japan
In the context of the prospect of East Asian economic
integration process facing many challenges and opportunities, Japan's
role is predicted to follow three scenarios:

19


Firstly, Japan will show its leading role in promoting further
regional economic integration.
Secondly, Japan will join the US in deepening this process, and
will still have a significant position in the region, demonstrating its
active role in promoting and actively participating in the process of
economic integration.
Thirdly, the role of Japan once again became overshadowed, in
the context of an emerging ASEAN role, the two Central American
superpowers decide to corporate and unite to share their power and
orient intergration process without the role of Japan.
Among these three options, the first scenario is more likely to be
happended. This is also reflects the actual context as well as the
capacity and expectations of Japan.
4.2. Vietnam's points of view on East Asian economic

integration and some policy implications to improve the efficiency
of regional economic integration
4.2.1. Basic points of view of Vietnam on East Asian economic
integration
In consistent with Vietnam's goals in building an independent,
autonomous, industrialized, modernized and integrated economy, East
Asia's economic integration is an important factor to create the
country's good position and power.
4.2.2. Policy implications for Vietnam on East Asian economic
integration
Over the past few years, Vietnam's integration policy has proven
to be correct and contributes to the stability and development of the
country. However, with complicated situations of the region, including

20


changes in the role of Japan, Vietnam urgently needs appropriate
policy directions suitable to the new situation for further achievements.
4.3. Vietnam - Japan relationship in East Asian economic
intergration
4.3.1. An overview of the history of Japanese - Vietnamese
economic cooperation
Giving a general picture of the trade relations between Vietnam
and Japan developed from the 16th century to the present.
4.3.2. Current situation of Vietnam-Japan relationship
It can be seen that the bilateral relationship between Vietnam
and Japan is quite good, with many mutually beneficial interests in
most important issues, especially in economic integration. The area of
mutually beneficial cooperation is not only consistent with the strategic

interests of the two sides, but also contributes to the positive promotion
of the process of East Asian economic integration.
4.4. Some recommendations and solutions to effectively
apply Japan's role in the East Asian economic integration process
and further promote Vietnam-Japan cooperation.
This section has made several policy recommendations to take
advantage of Japan's role, influence and help Vietnam integrate more
effectively into East Asian economic integration..
First, it can be seen that Vietnam currently faces many
challenges in sustainable development. In many fields, Japan can
support Vietnam to promote economic development.
Second, besides expanding relations and taking advantage of
Japan's role in practical economic integration, Vietnam can promote its
strengths in accordance with Japan’s needs in many areas.

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Third, in era of the 4th industrial revolution, it is very important
to pay attention to innovation factors. In the future, this can also
become an important field and opportunity for cooperation between
Vietnam and Japan.
Fourth, Vietnam can continue to cooperate with Japan to
contribute positively and constructively the integration process,
thereby increasing opportunities for boosting economic growth.
Fifth, Vietnam can count on Japan to support increasing regional
connectivity and expanding value chains through cross-border
infrastructure investments and cooperation with other economic
centers to increase trade opportunities.
Finally, Vietnam can take advantage of its cooperation with

Japan to reduce its dependence on China.
4.5. Conclusion of chapter 4

CONCLUSION
This thesis has analyzed and clarified the role of Japan in East
Asian economic integration process, achieved the objectives and
obtained the following results:
1. The thesis has systematized theoretical and practical issues on
East Asian economic integration and the role of important influential
subjects such as ASEAN, China and the US. The East Asian regional
economic integration has evolved in both practical and institutional
terms. Over a quarter of a century, the economic integration has been
formed and developed mainly based on market leadership. Furthermore,
in terms of institution, East Asia has also made significant positive
progress.

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