The regional architecture of East Asia has been transformed significantly in the recent years, especially since the Asian financial crisis of 1997–98. This article discusses the formation of a new integration structure-the East Asian Summit (EAS). The paper illustrates EAS participants’ views of its opportunities and then assesses the motives and objectives driving EAS cooperation. Special attention is paid to the interaction between the various bodies established under the auspices of ASEAN with the structures of global governance and, in particular, with the Group of Twenty. Developing process of new Asian regionalism has been generated by practical considerations, and in fact was a response to the challenges of globalization. Initially, this process proceeded without clear objectives, moreover, a number of issues for achieving consensus among the participants seemed unpromising . In this regard, it can be concluded that the most significant political demand to enhance cooperation in East Asia was a desire to improve regional relations, achieve lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Thus, in this article the author makes an attempt to identify the main trends of regionalization in East Asia and look into the future contours of integration structures.