CHINA AND ASIAN ECONOMIC REGIONAL COOPERATION AND INTEGRATION

Economic integration in Asia is a distinctive and multifaceted phenomenon because it is a very heterogeneous area, made up of very different countries in their economic and political systems, forms of ownership and levels of development; what a huge variety of ethnic elements, religion and culture adds. It is a geographical space where political conflicts are also present, historical, some, other more recent regional stability remaining. China was isolated from the integration processes in the region until 1978. However, after starting the process of reform and opening up has been inserted into different schemes gradually. In recent years, the Asian integration has been a peculiar and complex phenomenon that has been highlighted by great dynamism. The recent proliferation of agreements in the region is controversial; in particular the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement is controversial because of its potential implications. China's accession to the integration process becomes relevant because of its growing economic importance and what this has meant for the countries of the area. This article discusses integration in Asia-Pacific, provides an overview of the current situation and highlights the role played by China in its evolution and perspectives. Currently, active participation impregnates a new dynamism to the links between the countries of the region. Article visualizations