This document discusses the development of regional economic cooperation organizations in East Asia, including ASEAN Plus Three established in 1997, and the East Asia Summit (EAS) established in 2005. It explores the relationship between these groups and their roles in working towards an eventual East Asia economic community. While ASEAN Plus Three was initially seen as the leading vehicle for community building, over time the EAS took on a greater but complementary role alongside ASEAN Plus Three and other forums like ASEAN.