Experts say Japan has lost its leading position in the APEC because its influence has been decreasing, the Hong Kong based Wen Wei Po reports.

The annual APEC summit will open in Santiago, Capital of Chile this weekend and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will attend the summit in the fourth consecutive year.

Japan played a vital role in the founding of APEC in 1989 and it takes APEC as a way to consolidate its global role. To achieve this objective, Tokyo has advocated forming a free economic zone in the Pacific Region and regards itself a bridge between Asian and the US.

"Japan seems to have become less influential. It is losing strength in Asia Pacific for it has overlooked long term diplomatic strategy and just followed the US," says Yamamoto, Professor of international politics with the Waseda University.

However, the Japanese government argues that Tokyo is still the locomotive of economy in the region and it plays important role as liaison with the US. "Japan has made substantial contribution to economy of the Asia Pacific and we will continue to act as bridge between the US and South East Asia," says an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

An honorary professor with the Tokyo University says, "Many countries and regions in Asia still pay attention to Japan's indifferent stance in resolving historical problems and they do not trust Japan at all. The Southeast Asian countries maintain a close ties with Japan for they need assistance in development. But the Southeast Asia has begun to realize they can turn to be partners of China or India. The relationship held together by money is likely to disappear when the inflow of funds stops."

Source: By People's Daily Online