此外，研究結果也顯示：（1）東協與日本制定對外安全政策的過程具有一致性；（2）日本與部分東協國家已願意釋出部分權力，依據各自的實際安全利益，建構地域性的聯結網絡，顯示相關國家開始考量區域整體利益的發展；（3）以「東協方式」運作的「東亞峰會」，將以「想像的共同體」為遠景，成為凝聚東亞國家的重要機制。 Since the 1990s, ASEAN and Japan have been closely interacting to build up mutual security interests. This research suggests that ASEAN and Japan have constructed the “Inter-dependent” relationship through long-term trade interchange and non-traditional security cooperation. The bilateral cooperative process has deepened this cooperation. The research will adopt Alexander Wendt’s theory to analyze this issue.
However, regarding to the “Common Fate” and “Homogeneity” aspects of their relations, ASEAN’s political and economical development are quite different from that of Japan. The ASEAN countries pursue their sovereignty instead of the regional common interests. This resulted in the split of regional identity. Due to the above-mentioned factors and the very decisive fact of “Self-restraint”, it could be explained that the gradual process of cooperation between ASEAN and Japan could be resulted from the exterior pressure rather than the not yet reached recognition of mutual interests.
Apart from that, this research also suggests the following statements: (1) ASEAN and Japan draw up the process of outward security policy to have uniformity; (2) Japan and some ASEAN countries have already released parts of their powers to construct a regional coupling network according to the actual security interests. That shows the countries have started to consider development of the benefit of the whole region; (3) East Asia Summit conducted by the so-called “ASEAN Way” will adopt the “Imagined Community” as important mechanism to solidify East Asian countries.
