European Security and the Asia-Pacific Region

West European states are showing an increasing interest in the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific region. However, their limited military contribution there, and the lack of a co-ordinated west European policy towards the region, place severe constraints on the promotion of co-operative relations. This paper explores west European economic and security interests in Asia-Pacific, particularly the challenge of a rising China and relations with Japan.
 
West European states are showing an increasing interest in the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific region. However, their limited military contribution there, and the lack of a co-ordinated west European policy towards the region, place severe constraints on the promotion of co-operative relations. This paper explores west European economic and security interests in Asia-Pacific, particularly the challenge of a rising China and relations with Japan.