Kobsak Chutikul, secretary-general of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council, said the withdrawal of Pax Americana, the cornerstone of peace and stability in Asia since the end of World War II, could open a “can of worms”. Kobsak was speaking at Horasis Asia Meeting, a gathering of 350 international business leaders, government officials and academics at the Shangri-La Hotel. “Pax Americana has served us well,” Kobsak said, citing the example of US decision not to penalise Thailand for siding with Japan since a Thai government-in-exile in Washington during World War II refused to sign a pact with Tokyo. These factors, among others, have underpinned the foundation of Thai-US relations as part the United States’ broader Asia relations. Without the TPP, he added, China will by default set the rules, perhaps creating a new “Pax Sinica”.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 28, 2016 09:54 UTC