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This study provides a regional perspective on the Western Pacific and discusses trends that could affect the region over the next ten years. Social, economic, territorial and military issues that are deemed especially important are reviewed. The region is home to a number of complex security policy dilemmas that are affecting developments. The divided Korean peninsula, China's relations with its South China Sea neighbors, and China's relations with the United States and Japan are such examples. The study identifies two main trends that are in part contradictory. The economic development of the region speaks for deeper regional integration which could reduce risk of conflicts. However, the security political development of the region is headed towards an increasing degree of territorial and military tension which augments the risk of future crises and conflicts.