Northeast Asian (NEA) countries have remained disconnected for decades without a formal multilateral security cooperation mechanism for pursue their common interests. One of the main reasons why the NEA cannot seem to form a unifying security system is due to the conflicting interests of each of the member countries. Each member country wants to protect its own interests and is not ready to compromise to find common ground to resolve regional security issues. Regional security interests of NEA member countries, China, as an emerging global power in the East Asian region, wants to maintain its stable position and continuously improve its military capabilities to establish itself as a strong nation. China has remained resolute in its realistic ambition to reacquire Taiwan and unify it with the mainland. To achieve this goal, China would not hesitate to use force against Taiwan if necessary, which is why it continues to expand its military capabilities. Taiwan, meanwhile, wants to remain an independent nation and avoid authoritarian rule. The United States plays a vital role in Taiwan, helping the nation maintain its independence and avoid being absorbed by China. According to Article 9 of the Japanese constitution, the country is prohibited from using force or creating an army. Thus, Japan remains heavily dependent on the United States for its security and has authorized the latter to establish their military base in Tokyo. How long can the United States continue to protect Japan, given that it is currently running huge deficits and will no longer be able to protect a country that is wealthy enough and capable of protecting itself? As for South Korea, their only...... middle of document...... Race for Northeast Asia?" Washington, DC: Foreign Policy In Focus. Retrieved from: http://www. fpif.org/articles/an_arms_race_for_northeast_asia3. Przystup.J (2009). North Korea: Challenges, Interests and Policies, National Defense University.4. “New impulses for.” Security Cooperation in International Institutions and the Global Governance Agenda. "South Korea's Middle Power: Diplomacy and Regional Security Cooperation" (2008). : http://new.asiaviews.org/?content=ger53rger567664&voices=200811201418556. “International Politics in Northeast Asia: The China-Japan-United States Strategic Triangle”. ://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/summary.cfm?q=96