For the past two decades, East Asia has experienced the fastest economic growth in the world. The East Asian regional integration, however, is still at the early stage. As a major power in East Asia, China keeps low profile politically and accepts the East Asian international order structured by the U.S.. Though, China also gradually demands to be treated as a major power, and pursues the leading role in the East Asian economic affairs more actively. In order to play the leading role, China must break political and economic barriers. Politically, the US-Japanese alliance and the Taiwan issues constitute the major threats to Chinese security. Economically, China must compete the leading role with Japan and China also has to try to overcome two major economic barriers for regional integration-the uneven economic development and the lack of regional currency in the East Asian region. Regarding the future of the East Asian integration, three goals must be achieved. Finally, a peaceful settlement of the cross-Strait dispute will fundamentally solidify a Chinese-speaking community to serve as a core for the East Asian integration.