摘要：For most Canadians, 2001 will be remembered as the
year that terrorists destroyed the World Trade
Center in New York, attacked the Pentagon and .changed
the world.. While 8.46 a.m. on September 11 was clearly
and tragically the defining moment of the year, much less
dramatic developments in Asia may have a more far-reaching
impact in reshaping international relations in the
region. Last year, Asia.s economic managers shifted their
gaze determinedly inward, exploring regional integration
as an alternative, or at least a supplement, to the exportled
growth formula that had powered much of the region
from poverty to prosperity in just two generations. While
the talk of Asian regional groupings was not new, the intensity
of discussion was unprecedented. Meanwhile, on
the other side of the Pacific, Canadian business and government
seemed disinterested, remaining as preoccupied
as ever with visions of ever-closer commercial integration
with the US and dreams of creating a huge free market
covering all the Americas. There was even talk of adopting
a common currency and a common external tariff with the
US. Canada paid little attention to the sudden surge in
trade negotiations within Asia, with the government itself
moving only fitfully on trade discussions it initiated earlier
with Japan and Singapore. The focus after September 11
suddenly, but understandably, shifted from economic relations
to security, and debate on closer North American
integration became even more of a public issue, with talk
of uniform immigration and border policies. An understanding
of the very different needs of each country for new
migrants brought into sharp relief the types of choices that
would have to be made when contemplating closer ties
with the US and the Americas as well as Asia, our main
source of immigrants. While open, secure access to the US
or even broader hemispheric markets is a great commercial
advantage to Canada, there would be real costs if
increased integration reduced our flexibility in developing
ties with Asia, the most dynamic and fastest growing region
in the world. Canada will pay a price if it misses the
opportunity to reinforce links with an integrating Asia because
of a preoccupation with North American integration.
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