Han Asian Journal of German and European Studies (2016) 1:1 Asian Journal of German DOI 10.1186/s40856-016-0004-z and European Studies ORIGINAL ARTICLE Open Access The future of East Asia: concept, method and perspective – EU as mirror Shuifa Han Correspondence:
[email protected] Department of Philosophy/Institute Abstract of Foreign Philosophy, Peking University, Beijing 100871, The Background: The solidarity of East Asia, or its possible integration, and even the People’s Republic of China establishment of a union in the future, could not place hope on just spontaneous generation and development of the situation, but should rely on the self- consciousness and autonomous efforts of the people and politicians in East Asian countries. EU and other various organizations within the East Asia region, not only provide rich experience, but also offer a variety of possible ways and means for the solidarity of the East Asian countries. Methods: Under the principles of human rights and rule of law, as well as on the basis of equality and consultation, the significance of East Asian integration consists in facing the history, historical ties and cultural heritage fully and independently, in addition to the assumption of the present and future needs, as well as the responsibilities and obligations which have to be taken in joint effort. Results and discussion: East Asian Community, if it is possible, would become one of the main civilization circles of the world, and constitute the core of the modern world system together with the EU, the US and possibly other systems or communities of countries, meanwhile forming a civilization region with special characteristics of culture.