Trouble in Paradise: The Tension of Economic Integration in the Asia-Pacific
Author(s)
Bello, Walden
Abstract
It is risky to perceive Asia-Pacific as a region of political stability, since conflict and tensions, including rural poverty and environmental problems, abound in the region. Bangkok in Thailand suffers from lead poisoning, Taiwan from river pollution, and South Korea from air pollution. Taiwan and South Korea are dependent on Japanese technology as part of a regional division of labour whereby Japan specializes in high technology. Japan’s success in exporting itself creates tensions in the region. There is a need for cooperation between Asia-Pacific countries, on issues of trade and technology, in order to avoid subordination to Japan.
