Asian leaders may form EU style bloc.

This bloc could have a significant role in the future as many of the Asian nations are experiencing relatively high rates of growth and as the article notes have recovered better from the recession than the United States and many in the EU. It is interesting that at least some of the Asian nations want the United States to be part of the group. I assume this is because the U.S. is a large importer of Asian goods. No doubt others consider the U.S. to be a competitor with interests often opposed to the bloc. The excerpts are from the BBC.

""Asian leaders eye EU-style bloc

Officials said the East Asian nations would carry out a feasibility study for a free trade zone
Asian leaders meeting in Thailand are discussing plans to "lead the world" by forming an EU-style community by 2015.

Japan's Prime Minister Yukio HatoyamaYukio Hatoyama argued nations should take advantage of the region's more rapid recovery from the recession than the West.

"......Increased integration

The community would involve the 10-members of Asean with regional partners China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, Japanese officials have said.

Officials said the East Asian nations would carry out a feasibility study for a huge free trade zone.

But there was debate at the summit over whether the community would also include the United States.

.....

Around 18,000 troops and dozens of armoured vehicles have been deployed to ensure this summit passes off smoothly - with another 18,000 on standby or on duty in Bangkok. ""