On March 26-27, 2024, the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University hosted the 6th International Forum on Security and Strategy under the theme of “Seeking Consensus, Building Stability” in Beijing. The Forum invited more than 60 guests from China, the United States (US), the United Kingdom, Russia, Australia, the Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, and other countries for in-depth discussions on “International Order and Major Power Relations,” “Trends of International and Asia-Pacific Hotspots,” and “Economic and Technology Competition and Global Governance.” The afternoon of March 27 featured an open forum drawing the on-site participation of more than ten domestic and international media.

Group Photo

Moderators of the Sub-Forums

In the morning session of March 26, the guests discussed the trend of international order, the strategic choices of major powers, and China-US relations. Attending experts observed a trend towards increased fragmentation in the international landscape, indicating a transition from a unipolar structure to a multipolar world, and a weakening role played by international institutions. They believed that confrontation between China and the United States is not inevitable and that it is imperative for both parties to manage their differences, avoid the escalation of crises, establish a security guarantee mechanism to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations, and strengthen cooperation in addressing climate change, artificial intelligence, drug control, non-traditional security threats, etc.

Keynote Speakers for Issue 1 “Trend of International Order and Strategic Choices of Major Powers”

Keynote Speakers for Issue 2 “China-US Relations”

The afternoon session of March 26 focused on the Ukraine crisis and the Middle East crisis. Participating experts engaged in detailed discussions on the current characteristics, impact, and prospective trajectories of the two issues. Notably, they held that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may remain locked in stalemate, which may be impacted by the US election, a pivotal external factor. They also believed that China can play an active role of good offices and mediation. They argued that the tense situation in Gaza may continue for years, making it imperative to figure out how to urge both parties to cease fire and make political arrangements to guarantee security and mitigate the situation after the end of the conflict.、

Keynote Speakers for Issue 1 “Ukraine Issue”

Keynote Speakers for Issue 2 “Middle East Issue”

The morning session on March 27 centered on the Asia-Pacific situation and economic and technology competition and global governance. Attending experts agreed that stability can be pursued through effective crisis management and international cooperation despite the intricate situation on the Korean Peninsula. They also held that all parties need to deal with the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea with caution to avoid escalation of tensions. Discussions also touched upon the relationship between national security and economic and technology cooperation. The experts believed that since the current international environment is characterized by many uncertainties, countries should strengthen communication and coordination to jointly address global challenges.

Keynote Speakers for Issue 3 “Asia-Pacific Hotspots”

Keynote Speakers for Topic 3 “Economic and Technology Competition and Global Governance”

In the afternoon session of March 27, participating experts shared their views on the common interests and cooperative potential among countries, and gave suggestions on the future cooperation paths of all parties. Regarding major power relations, the experts emphasized that the enhancement of strategic mutual trust, dialogue and consultation, and people-to-people exchanges are vital to maintaining stability among major power relations. In terms of international hotspots, they advocated for the management of tensions in such areas as the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine, and the Middle East. As to economy, technology, and global governance, they acknowledged the considerable potential for international cooperation but highlighted challenges including trust deficits, politicization and securitization, and fragmentation of mechanisms. They also answered questions from the audience concerning US internal affairs, international counterterrorism cooperation, and major power politics and multilateralism.