On October 22, Beijing time, the Ditchley Foundation held a conference themed “The Indo-Pacific: how can we best promote strategic stability, economic growth and the rule of law in the region?” Among more than 90 invited panelists from over 20 countries were China Forum experts ZHOU Bo, fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University; HUANG Jing, professor at Beijing Language and Culture University; WANG Dong, professor at the School of International Studies, Peking University; and YAN Yan, director of the Research Center of Ocean Law and Policy, National Institute for South China Sea Studies. The discussants explored topics such as “promotion of the rule of law, human rights and stability,” “promotion of innovation, development and economic growth, and climate change,” and “promotion of strategic stability and management of flashpoints.”

From a national strategy point of view, there are two outstanding issues—“regional prosperity, peace and stability” and “the balance between regional strategic competition and cooperation while maintaining peace, stability and development,” Wang Dong noted, adding that China and the US should work toward a “New Engagement Consensus” based on mutual respect, equality and positive-sum thinking to foster coexistence and healthy competition.

China is fully integrated into the international system and is unlikely to initiate a war with the US, India, Japan and Australia in the Indian Ocean region, Zhou Bo said. He also expressed regret that China-Australia relations have hit the lowest ebb, and refuted accusations that China is violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Yan Yan stressed that the smear campaign against China about the South China Sea will not stop its efforts to promote maritime cooperation and build mutual trust in the region, and the negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea is a priority for China and ASEAN countries.