superpower capable of influencing the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific as a whole. The China-Japan strategic interplay will no doubt continue with both countries having different security objectives. Japan will remain as a workd economic superpower but could be expected to pay more attention to regional security. Russia which appears to have overcome its internal problems could potentially become more active in the region and playing an important role in regional security relations. The balance of power and strategic interests noted above are not expected to hinder continued peace and stability in Asia-Pacific. Common focuses and interests would contribute to better relations among the major powers. Moreover the strategic focus of regional powers is in the area of economic cooperation instead of political and military confrontation. East Asia A prolonged China-Taiwan issue could destabilise the East Asia region and any tension in the Taiwan Strait can worsen the situation. Malaysia welcomes any effort to alleviate the situation and hopes that both parties continue to seek a peaceful resolution to the issue. The Six-Party Talks intended to end the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) nuclear weapons programme has been ongoing since August 2003 and involves the US, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea. Although the Six Party Talks is viewed as the best avenue for resolving the issue it is often faced with obstacles resulting from Pyongyang’s erratic responses. North Korea’s withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 1968 (NPT) and its threat to continue testing its long range missiles clearly indicates that Pyongyang views its nuclear programme as an essential component of its MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY Page 6