than symbolic holiday greetings in the Asia-Pacific region at the dawn of the new millennium. They are the foundation of an evolutionary security environment that has developed within the context of post-Cold War relationships throughout Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania.

-The framework of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific Century is being built today. Habits of cooperation between regional players will develop further through wider participation in confidence-building activities, publication of security white papers and open security dialogues at various levels.

Although some may take issue with certain terms in that statement, the basic assessment expressed in the quote above remains relevant today. What has changed in the intervening five years?

The Asia-Pacific economic crisis, for better or worse, demonstrated the increased interdependence of Asia-Pacific nations. As noted by Gen. Surayud Chulanont, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Army, at the recent ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on 21 November 2000,

-The past three years have been difficult and challenging years for the region as many countries have battled the economic storm that swept through this region. This economic crisis signaled a key message that the security and prosperity of countries in this region are inextricably linked. Under an increasingly interdependent world, every country in the region has to work hand in hand to enhance our common security and to combat our common threat.