Similar governmental views with Western and European nations and economic concerns analogous to those of developing nations allow positive relations between the Philippines and many other countries. Their international policy is based on trade, the well-being of Filipinos living overseas, and the spread of Filipino ideas and values such as human rights and democracy. The Philippines is an active member of the United Nations council and also helped found ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which focuses on the development and maintaining of relations between Southeast Asian nations. Many of their decisions relate to their ties with the United States, Middle East, and other Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea, and India. Although there was some tension between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China it is no longer present because communism is not seen as much of a threat as it used to be. Relations with Japan have also improved. Despite the cruel treatment shown by the Japanese during World War II, the Philippines friction between the two countries have faded.
