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This study purposes to show that East Asian regional cooperation is dominated by ideas rather than interests. Specifically, focusing on China, this study will reveal that national identity influence each nation's behavior and strategy beyond the expected interests related to the regional cooperation. Recent studies on the issue of regional cooperation in East Asia pay insufficient attention to ideas-centered approach, only fousing on material interests motivating countries toward regional cooperation. In particular, they argue that China, Japan and South Korea determine participation in cooperation projects depending on interests. As a criticism of interests-centered approach, this study will show the importance of ideas in East Asian regional cooperation. China understands regional cooperation and maps out its strategy by the national identity. Chin's traditional identity of Sinocentrism and recently constructed "Reponsible superpower" identityare the very cases in point. Revealing the importance of national identity, this study will remind us that ideas is needed to understand the real dynamics of East Asian regional cooperation ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]