Will the future of Asia be one of conflict or cooperation

TOKYO – The 21st century is meant to be the “Asian century”, but will the world’s largest continent live up to its brimming potential, or will it be derailed by conflict?

This was the biggest question weighing on the minds of politicians, business leaders and academics who convened in Tokyo for the Future Of Asia conference, held by Japanese media conglomerate Nikkei Inc on May 29 to 30.

Many attendees sounded the clarion call for solidarity and unity, saying that only by entrenching cooperation can the world overcome its many fissures.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, citing wars, pandemics and financial turmoil, said that the world stands on the precipice of a “once-in-a-century turning point in history”.

“When we look at each of the events that are happening, it is hard not to feel the similarities between today and 100 years ago,” he said. “A stable international order is no longer a given.”

That is an ominous message for a flagship forum – of which The Straits Times is a media partner – that is celebrating its milestone 30th year. Is the future of Asia doomed?

Plenty of positivity was dished up over two days of speeches that were, however, lacking in substantive suggestions for action.

What was of note, however, were some young participants who gave a glimpse of what the future might hold with their innovative ideas and their optimism.

First up was Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who said: “Asia, home to more than half of humanity, sits at the epicentre of uncertainty. It is also at the centre of possibility at the same time.”

Although he warned that “cooperation is not always guaranteed”, he pointed to the region’s “formidable collective strength”.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet described Asia as “relatively peaceful,