3. CBM - Track Two Initiatives
The one area where Japan can help to facilitate regional security is regional CBM, confidence-building measures. As mentioned earlier in this discussion, this is especially difficult among defense personnel in the region because of the nature of their duty and the military tradition. Conventionally military personnel simply do not engage in much exchange with other sectors even within their own countries, not to say their counterparts in other countries. But, as experience shows, personal exchanges and acquaintances are the most effective and fundamental ways to overcome deep-rooted cultural and perception differences and social biases.
Culturally Japan is experienced in consensus-building process. It has successfully improved its post-war image among the Southeast Asians through series of "track two" exchanges such as those organized by JCIE (Japan Center for International Exchange). However it is more difficult to promote exchanges among military personnel and on sensitive issues such as security. The Korea Project of the Okazaki Institute is no easy achievement and such collaborations and exchanges should be expanded to counterparts in other countries in the region. CBM should be as inclusive in participation as possible, otherwise it can easily be misinterpreted as a scheme to exclude the non-participating parties.
