Conceptual Exploration

Introduction

The Community of Common Destiny between China and Its Neighbors: A New Paradigm for Promoting World Socio-Economic Development

Wang Linggui

Executive Vice Chairman of Board of Directors & Secretary General, National Institute for Global

Strategy (NIGS), CASS

Zhao Jianglin

Senior Research Fellow, National Institute for Global Strategy (NIGS), CASS

 

On 18th to 19th November, 2016, the National Institute for Global Strategy (NIGS), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and University of International Relations, organized the International Think Tank Forum on “Building the Community of Common Destiny between China and Its Neighbors: Challenges and the Future” in Beijing. About 30 experts and scholars from 20 neighboring countries and 30 expert delegates from China gathered to discuss the theories and practices with regards to promoting the Community of Common Destiny (CCD) between China and its neighbors.

The participating experts generally agreed that the CCD was a new paradigm for promoting regional socio-economic development, and for shaping international cooperation and international order from an entirely novel perspective. Despite that countries and regions are having varied socioeconomic development difficulties and challenges, and that their understanding of the concept of the CCD differs, the notion for common development and common security is widely shared and generally advocated by all participating scholars.

The Community of Common Destiny: a New Perspective for Shaping International Cooperation and International Order

Exploring the Connotation of the CCD

Views of the Chinese Scholars

Prof. Cai Fang, Vice President, CASS and Chairman of Board of Directors, NIGS, CASS, pointed out that the Chinese government has been strongly advocating for an inclusive, interactive and integrated approach to the process of building the CCD for consultation and common development. Think tanks play an important and indispensable role in such an endeavor.

Mr. Lu Zhongwei, Former Director-General, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, talked about the advantages of building the CCD in terms of political relations, geographical neighborhood, and economic complementarity, and suggested to translate those advantages into incentives and benefi ts for practical collaboration, mutual support, and sustainable growth among countries in the region.

Views of the Foreign Scholars

Mr. Syed Hasan Javed, Ambassador (Retired) of the Foreign Service of Pakistan, and Director, Chinese Studies Centre, National University of Science and Technology (NUST) of Pakistan, commented China for being a main driving force for peace and development, and went on to say that one should acknowledge and understand China's peaceful rise. The past development model was a zero-sum game, which had caused many difficulties, but China's rise provides the world with a reason and an opportunity for optimism. What the Belt and Road Initiative advocates is exactly a win-win development model. We should not be confi ned to the old way of thinking.

Mr. Kyee Myint, Senior Researcher, Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Myanmar ISIS) believed that the concept of building the CCD had four main principles. Firstly, it assures that all countries treat each other equally and with respect. Secondly, it seeks win-win cooperation and shared development. Thirdly, it aims for collaboration and sustainable security. And lastly, it promises inclusiveness and mutual learning among civilizations. The CCD is an important strategy of China for ensuring peaceful and stable relations with its neighbors. It is believed that the CCD is in essence of China's efforts to develop cordial relations with its neighbors to ensure a peaceful and stable external strategic environment. The concept of the CCD is centered on economic initiatives. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Belt and Road Initiative are the two main pillars of this concept. Its ultimate goal is to demonstrate China's responsibility as a big country, and to establish a new world economic order.

 

Opportunities and Challenges Facing the Building of the CCD

Views of the Foreign Scholars

Ms. Yulia A. Kryachkina, Researcher, Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISS), commented that Russia's present strategy in the Asia and Pacifi c region was very clear. Russia hopes to connect with the Belt and Road Initiative as well as other projects, such as the Eurasia Economic Union, and the Eurasia Initiative of Korea. The cooperation between China and Russia in the economic area has been dynamic and signifi cant, as well as in the political arena. To address the security issues, the key is to build mutual trust for development.

Mr. Sayed Mahdi Munadi, Director, Center for Strategic Studies (CSS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, argued that the Asia region was facing serious challenges from separatism, terrorism and extremism. Actions are needed to maintain regional peace and development. In that regard, mutual support under the concept of CCD is necessary. Security and economy are complementary to each other, since economic initiatives are effective ways to deal with unemployment, poverty and energy shortage. On the other hand, Mr. Munadi argued that alliances or associations of any forms should be discouraged and the Belt and Road Initiative should be pursued in indirect ways. What is needed today in the region is a new form of conservatism for measured, rather than radical changes.

Mr. Sompong Sanguanbun, Dean, Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, Rangsit University, Thailand, commented that the long history of relationship between China and Thailand goes back to a thousand years. The two countries share common values and traditions, and have similar religions. In recent years, Sino-Thai relationship developed very fast. For future development, China will need to assure other countries that winners will not take all. It will also be necessary to take into consideration the interests of all countries and commit to shared responsibilities.

Mr. Sow Keat Tok, Deputy Director, Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies, Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia, believed that nationalism was harmful for the common development of Asia Pacifi c countries, which made it extremely diffi cult to form any global thinking. Therefore, it is necessary to control nationalistic extremists.

Views of the Chinese Scholars

Mr. Wu Li, Director and Senior Research Fellow, Tibet Think Tank, CASS, believed that the building of CCD was aligned with the world development trend. The Belt and Road Initiative and the CCD reflect China's efforts to promote common development, win-win cooperation and open-mind approach of China for friendship and peaceful development in the region.

Mr. Xu Yongquan, Deputy Director, China Center for Contemporary World Studies, International Department of Central Committee of CPC, underscored the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative and the CCD and stated that they were public goods in fact that the Government of China provided to the world.

Mr. Huang Renwei, Deputy Director, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, remarked that the smooth implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative required the support of big countries. It would be a great challenge if the major powers such as the US, EU and Russia continued the Cold War and geopolitical mentality, not giving any consideration to shared interests.

Prof. Lin Limin, Department of International Politics, University of International Relations, believed that the biggest challenge facing building the CCD came from trust-building and confi dence-building. Historical issues, land and marine territorial disputes, as well as issues related to civil wars all play a part in that regard. It is widely observed that Asia is rising while the West, including the US and Europe, is declining. The gravity of world development is shifting, not only to the Asia-Pacific region, but also from oceans to inlands. It offers new opportunities to the building of CCD.

Building the Economic Community between China and Its Neighbors: Achievements and Challenges Co-Exist

Scholars in China and from other countries have a lot of consensus about building an economic community. While acknowledging many achievements in the area of economic cooperation, they discussed directions of future economic cooperation in Asia as well as ways to overcome many current challenges.

 

Great Achievements are Made but Some Challenges Remain

Cognition of the Foreign Scholars about the Concept of Building the Economic Community

Mr. Bruno Jetin, Associate Professor, Institute of Asian Studies, University Brunei Darussalam, stated that the Belt and Road Initiative became a hot topic in the region. The initiative will have far-reaching implications in China, Asia and even the whole world. The Belt and Road Initiative is destined to bring more dynamics to Asian economies, helping all Asian countries prosper and develop. Besides the Belt and Road Initiative, there are other initiatives and ideas, we need to fi nd common ground among these initiatives and common interests of China and other countries including ASEAN countries. It is important to ensure that infrastructure and inter-connectivity projects between China and ASEAN member countries can avoid adhocness and are sustainable.

Mr. Hyung-Gon Jeong, Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, observed that there is a lot to gain from a closer community between China and ASEAN. By 2020, the East Asia community of common destiny would also become a reality. The main economic driving force in the future is economic integration, hence high-quality and high-level free trade zones are needed. Meanwhile, Asian countries should make even greater efforts in the area of energy cooperation to ensure energy security in the region. Inter-connectivity is critical to economic activities. On the other hand, greater attention should be given to exchanges of non-governmental organizations and promoting cultural and social exchange.

Mr. Dushni Weerakoon, Deputy Director, Institute of Policy Studies, Sri Lanka, informed that Sri Lanka was facing a lot of challenges over concerns regarding domestic and geopolitical policies, and relations with China. China is the largest source of budget support and financial aid for Sri Lanka. Some believe that the infrastructure development in Sri Lanka supported by China is not transparent, and such investments would bring more liabilities rather than foreign direct investments. These concerns to a large extent stem from the perception that Sri Lanka and China became very close in recent years. In fact, the suspension of the Colombo Port City project has greatly impacted Sri Lanka's economy. It should be acknowledged that China is an important, and probably the most important, economic partner for Sri Lanka today.

Buyankhishigiin Otgonsuren, Senior Researcher, Center of International Studies, Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS), National Security Council of Mongolia, talked about the current status of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the progress of triangular cooperation among the three countries. Triangular cooperation is going well, and the mid-term roadmap has been concluded. To strengthen cooperation under the economic corridor project, it is necessary to link up the domestic development planning of all parties. Mongolia proposed the Steppe Road Initiative in 2011. Mongolia also supports the idea of connecting the Steppe Road with the Silk Road of China. Mongolia has several advantages in this regard, including Mongolia's geographic location, low trans-shipment cost, Mongolia's mid-term and long-term planning frameworks for road and railway development, and the fact that Mongolia has no outstanding historical issues or any territorial disputes with its two neighbors, China and Russia. Mongolia is a safe country, where there are no threats from the so-called “three evil forces”.

Ms. Chuluungombiin Narantuya, Senior Researcher, Center for Russian Studies, Institute for Strategic Studies, National Security Council of Mongolia, observed that the primary objective of Mongolia's foreign policy is to maintain equal, friendly and cooperative relations with China and Russia. Mongolia's permanent neutrality has no political connotation and represents its non-alliance policy. Mongolia strives to develop mutually benefi cial cooperation with all countries and regions. The Northeast Asian region, where Mongolia situates and where good development platforms also exist, has great potentials for the development of mutually benefi cial cooperation among the countries concerned.

Mr. LE Kim Sa, Deputy Director, Centre for Analysis and Forecasting, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, remarked about China's cooperation with the Greater Mekong River sub-region, and hoped that there would be no military conflicts in some of the disputed areas. In the economic sphere, China took measures to encourage economic cooperation in the Lancang River and Mekong River region, e.g. lowering tax rates. On the other hand, non-conventional security issues have brought about a great deal of pressure on China. He also commented that the Greater Mekong River sub-regional cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative are complementary to each other. The Greater Mekong River sub-region has a lot of potentials. It will be very helpful to evaluate the cooperative activities in this area in order to fi nd ways to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among the countries concerned.

 

Cognition of the Chinese Scholars about the Concept of Building the Economic Community

Mr. Li Wei, Senior Research Fellow, Director-General Assistant, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, emphasized that from a long-term perspective, globalization was beneficial to all countries in the world. A fair and transparent process is a prerequisite for increased economic cooperation in the Asia region. Ultimately all initiatives and mechanisms, despite of their differences, aim to promote cooperation and development among Asian countries. To address the uneven development among Asian countries, it is necessary to transfer and maximize benefi ts among all countries.

Ms. Zhao Jianglin, Head, Division of International Economic Relations, National Institute of International Strategy, CASS, touched upon the concept of building of the CCD and suggested to focus on the commonalities, rather than the differences, among the member countries. She stressed that member countries should be encouraged to enhance comparability and pursue common development. Furthermore, it is necessary to reduce the gaps and increase synchronization of economic development in order to maintain the desire of member countries for common development. In that regard, every effort should be made to avoid competition for resources, and to establish a system of matching responsibilities with interests within the community. Lastly, she recommended to conduct a feasibility assessment of the economic community in the region.

 

Policy Recommendations for Future Economic Cooperation

Mr. Do Tien Sam, Former Director General, Institute of Chinese Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, suggested to link economic cooperation with ecological environment protection and to strengthen economic integration, rather than competition, between China and its neighboring countries. Attention should also be paid to non-conventional security issues, including issues related to smuggling and counterfeit currency.

Mr. Roman Mogilevskii, Director, Institute of Public Policy and Administration, University of Central Asia, Kyrgyz Republic, observed that there were some problems in the economic cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. In his view, Chinese enterprises should make some changes to the modalities and areas of investments in Central Asian countries. Infrastructure development should be sustainable and compliant with local requirements. Chinese enterprises are also recommended to invest more in manufacturing, agricultural and service industries. In addition, China is expected to make more technology transfers and China may wish to increase cooperation in the area of organic agriculture.

The Mongolian scholar suggested to enhance mutual understanding and increase mutual trust among the three countries—China, Mongolia and Russia to avoid, to the maximum possible extent misjudgment and cognitive bias. It would be helpful to identify the converging point for mutually beneficial and win-win trilateral trade and economic cooperation. Furthermore, it is important to profi t from the respective advantages of the three countries, and to ensure that specifi c economic corridor cooperative projects are mutually agreed upon and meet local interests. Furthermore, it is necessary to enlarge the industries from natural resources to agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism, new energy, etc. It is recommended to set up guidelines for harmonized management of the triangular cooperation to ensure interconnectivity of the cooperative mechanisms. In that case, coordinating mechanisms among foreign and domestic departments of the three countries should be established for better and more effective coordination and management.

Mr. Danilo Israel, Senior Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Philippines, commented that China is of critical importance to the economy of the Philippines. Overall the Sino-Philippine relations are progressing, while some small fl uctuations happened. He recommended that the two countries should agree on visa-free arrangement so that Chinese tourists may visit the Philippines without needing a visa. The two countries will have further trade and investment, and people-to-people and non-governmental exchanges. He believed that the South China Sea is not a fundamental issue in the Sino-Philippine relations. He also recommended to extend the line of the 21stCentury Maritime Silk Road to include Manila.

With regards to the comments that China's influence over Sri Lanka's economy and inter-governmental dealings lack of transparency, the Sri Lankan scholar suggested that the Governments should strengthen transparency, as well as better play the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations. In the future, China may wish to increase investments in manufacturing and service industries. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, out of consideration of geopolitics, needs to balance the interests of various parties.

Building the Security Community between China and Its Neighbors: Mechanisms Defi ciency and Future Development

The need to build the security community largely stems from people's concern that security impacts development. There is a strong consensus that the process of regional security cooperation need to link with that of economic cooperation and that there is a need to further strengthen security cooperation in the region. The participating scholars generally agreed that the main constraint to security cooperation in the region related to the lack of regional security cooperation mechanisms. This has contributed to the fact that presently a variety of regional security issues remain to be dealt with effectively. Therefore, the scholars have put the building of security mechanisms as a priority for cooperation in the future.

 

Cognition of the Security Community

Views of the Foreign Scholars

Ms. Park Jiyoung, Director and Senior Researcher, Centre for Global Governance, Asian Institute for Policy Studies, Korea, believed that security was critical to the development of East Asia, in particular, the issue of balancing the interests of different parties. In her view, the CCD proposed by China is an excellent idea, but may be diffi cult to achieve in the security area. For regional stability, what is needed is innovative and sustainable mechanisms for dialogue and exchange based on short-term and long-term goals, respectively. For the short-term, we need to deal with issues of terrorism, while mechanisms for building mutual trust are required for the long-term.

The Thai scholar Mr. Sompong Sanguanbun believed that China had always been a force for regional stability.

Mr. Bali Ram Deepak, Professor, Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, explored, from the perspective of constructivism, the building of the CCD between China and India. In his view, the Belt and Road Initiative helps deconstructs pseudo community of common destiny established during the colonial period, and reinstates the close cultural relationship. The Belt and Road Initiative is a Chinese proposal for re-globalization, by which China hopes to bring the scattered small forces of globalization together.

Mr. Kin Phea, Deputy Director General, International Relations Institute of Cambodia, Royal Academy of Cambodia, commented that Sino-Cambodian relationship had a long history. There is also close military cooperation between the two countries. With regards to building the CCD, Cambodia adheres to the “One China” principle, and advocates for multilateral consultations to solve the South China Sea issues.

Views of the Chinese Scholars

Mr. Wang Junsheng, Head, Division of Regional Studies, National Institute of International Strategy, CASS, argued that the CCD implied an interest community and responsibility consciousness. The main constraints to building the CCD come from several dimensions: historical and territorial issues, relatively low political trust between China and some neighboring countries, and the challenges of China-U.S. competition. The concept of CCD still carries some ambiguity and needs to be clarifi ed.

Mr.Yang Danzhi, PhD, Division of Regional Security Studies, National Institute of International Strategy, CASS, compared the concept of CCD with the “CICBMA” (Conference on Interaction and Confi dence-Building Measures in Asia) mechanism, and argued that currently there did not exist any widely recognized regional security architecture in Asia. The “CICBMA” mechanism has made some efforts and progress in this direction, but its development has also been constrained by challenges in many respects, including, for example, the great number of member states, the limited roles played by small and medium-size countries, defi ciencies in system establishment, and lack of binding arrangements and internal cohesion.

Prof. Sun Xuefeng of Tsinghua University commented that the challenges facing security cooperation are much bigger than those facing economic cooperation. Efforts were made to promote security cooperation through economic stability. While some progress has been achieved, challenges still remain. For example, it remains a diffi cult task to better coordinate the two. He argued that regional security situation is dependent on patience. One must not go too fast. Going too fast may cause discomfort among others. Furthermore, Asia does not have a well-established security structure. This requires further study.

Mr. Li Wei, Senior Research Fellow, Director-General Assistant, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, when talking about conventional security issues, commented that it was a fundamental principle to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes. To deal with non-conventional security threats would still require greater and deeper cooperation among all Asian countries, as well as security mechanisms including the Mekong River mechanism.

Mr. Chen Li, PhD Candidate, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, elaborated that China and its neighboring countries faced threats from both local as well as international terrorist activities. International counterterrorism actions face three dilemmas, i.e. double-standards by the West;indifference by some countries to the root causes of terrorism; and lack of concerted efforts by the UN coordinated counter-terrorism activities. To get out of the dilemmas, China is collaborating with other countries to promote the toplevel design of international counter-terrorism actions of the United Nations. It is imperative that China continues to collaborate with its neighboring countries and promote economic development and social stability to rid of the breeding ground for terrorism.

Mr. Shi Yuanhua, Director and Professor of Center of International Studies, Fudan University, believed that the DPRK should not be excluded from the Asia cooperation. In his view, the CCD and Belt and Road Initiative need DPRK's participation. In this connection, China may guide the DPRK to part-take in the process. Besides, the DPRK may play an important role in the CCD and the Korea-proposed Eurasia Initiative. However, it requires shared efforts of the international community to make the DPRK a part-taker as well as contributor in these initiatives.

 

Recommendations for Promoting Security Cooperation

Mr. Rocky Intan, Researcher, Department of Politics and International Relations, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia, talked about building the security community and recommended to strengthen cooperation in the area of fi shery and marine resources protection and build trust to avoid any misunderstanding of intentions between China and ASEAN countries. In that case, it is necessary to provide English language training to some of the staff to avoid complications caused by language difficulties. Furthermore, he recommended to enhance management capacity and use preventive diplomacy to improve crisis management. Any unnecessary military forces may be withdrawn to create a conducive environment for cooperation.

Prof. Deepak made a few recommendations with regards to cooperation between China and India. It is important to learn from the well-established crisis management mechanisms in the world, and to manage the differences in a systematic way and to prevent any chances for brewing border crisis. He believed that the two countries should develop a strategic alignment between them, and further recommended to establish the necessary consultation mechanisms. He also suggested that the China and India should support energy cooperation in the northwest of China and the north of India as well as promote railway connectivity between the two countries.

Mr. Wang Junsheng, Assistant Research Fellow, made fi ve recommendations, namely, 1) to play economic and trade advantages; 2) to enhance political trust;3) to increase joint research; 4) to expand cultural exchange; and 5) to promote system development.

Building the Cultural Community between China and Its Neighbors: Acknowledging Diversity and Cultivating Common Values

In the discussion about cultural cooperation, both the foreign and Chinese scholars agreed that cultural differences, or even conflicts, had created great harms to regional development. Therefore, it is necessary to nurture common values and understanding, while at the same time acknowledging cultural diversity. This is the foundation for the CCD. It is also the prerequisite for common economic and social development. Recognizing the importance of cultural cooperation, some scholars stressed that people-to-people exchange should be a priority agenda item for future discussion of the CCD.

 

Cognition of Building the Cultural Community

The Foundation for Building the Cultural Community between China and Its Neighboring Countries

Most of the foreign scholars agreed that China and its neighboring countries shared a long history of exchange. This, however, was interrupted by Western colonialism and consequently some new changes developed. Mr. Lattana Thavonsouk, Deputy Director of Foreign Research Institute, Laos, emphasized that China and Laos were close neighboring countries. The long historical contacts, as well as the close cultural and geographical connections had determined that these two countries would continue the partnership development. Ms. Irene Niazi Manna of International Radio commented that Bangladesh was fully supportive to China's Belt and Road Initiative. These two countries have identical development goals, and Bangladesh hopes to become a developed country by 2040.

Cultural Cooperation Is an Integral Part of the CCD

Mr. Zhao Peijie remarked that cultural exchange and cooperation was the prerequisite for economic, political and diplomatic exchanges. People-to-people bonds is an integral part of the Belt and Road Initiative and the CCD. It is also the catalyst for facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and policy communication. People-to-people bonds is about cultural mutual understanding and mutual respect. In other words, mutual understanding and mutual respect are important pillars and medium for people-to-people bonds, and would serve as the basis for mutual understanding in all other aspects.

Mr. Syed Hasan Javed, Ambassador (Retired) of the Foreign Service of Pakistan, and Director, Chinese Studies Centre, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan, argued that today was the 21st century, not the 19th or the 18th century. We should have an open mind, increase soft power, learn Chinese, and change our mindset.

Mr. Bruno Jetin, Associate Professor, Institute of Asian Studies, University Brunei Darussalam, argued that we needed to construct cultural diversity, rather than assuming that everyone has the foundation of this community, which does not yet exist. We need to be aware of the differences among the various languages, cultures and traditions, which would help us better understand each other. A lot is yet to be done.

Afghan scholar Mr. Sayed Mahdi Munadi commented that Afghanistan was facing serious security problems, most of which stemmed from cultural differences. The confl icts between Islamic extremism and Islamic liberalism in Afghanistan have caused social and cultural conflicts in the country. Cultural confl icts not only harm the cultures themselves, but also sacrifi ce the people who serve them. We need to be mindful of problems arising from cultural hegemony and regional cultural hegemony must be eliminated.

Ways to Strengthen Exchanges with Think Tanks in Southeast Asia

Mr. Ngeow Chow Bing, Deputy Director, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya, Malaysia, commented that think tanks in ASEAN countries generally had four main streams of attitudes towards China–supportive, neutral, suspicious, and opposing. The suspicious attitude by ASEAN think tanks towards China is structural, and will not change over a long period of time.

Issues Related to Overseas Chinese

Mr. Hoon Chang Yau, Associate Professor, Institute of Asian Studies, University Brunei Darussalam, commented that today overseas Chinese serve as a cultural bridge between China and Brunei. In many countries Overseas Chinese have become a very important resource for the promotion of the cultural, economic and non-governmental exchanges between China and the Southeast Asian countries.

 

Recommendations for Building the Cultural Community

Mr. Hyung-Gon Jeong, Professor, Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, stated that people-to-people and institution-to-institution exchange are very important to nurture cultural identity. The Silk Road aims to develop a more healthy country-to-country relationship. We need to build a common identity, while at the same time maintain cultural diversity.

Mr. Xu Liping of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences stressed the importance of building the foundations of value identity, and highlighted three advantages in the building of a cultural community: overseas Chinese, friendly historical exchanges, and rich cultural resources. In this regard, he recommended giving greater attention to: 1) mechanism-building, which means to establish the frameworks and mechanisms for social and cultural exchanges between China and its neighboring countries; 2) branding, that is to increase the influence, appeal and suitability of cultural exchanges through brands, linking up with the Internet, and cultural and creative industries; and 3) popularization, i.e. public participation in cultural cooperation, by which the public can truly benefi t from it, beyond mere exchange of offi cial agreements and documents.

Zhao Peijie argued that the primary task of cultural exchange and cooperation with neighboring countries was to create a conductive cultural and public opinion environment for the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of the CCD. Think tanks have a special mission to facilitate dialogues and play a bridging role between political parties, governments, and peoples of different countries. Cultural exchanges and cooperation will help eliminate prejudices, resolve confl icts, and promote consensus among different parties.

Promote Border Trade and Tourism, and Increase China's Contribution to the Economic Development of Neighboring Countries

Scholars from both Laos and Nepal expressed that tourism cooperation between China and Laos and between China and Nepal helped boost local economies. The Belt and Road Initiative will make great contribution to the development of the global tourism industry.

Strengthen Exchanges of Think Tanks, in Particular Actively Cultivate pro-China Think Tanks in Southeast Asia

Mr. NGEow Chow Bing observed that in order to better promote exchanges of think tanks, China, when communicating with ASEAN think tanks, should pay more attention to ASEAN think tanks' way of thinking. Prof. Deepak of the University of India, New Delhi, believed that to live and study in China will help better decode the genes of the Chinese culture, so as to more thoroughly understand China. It is inappropriate to try to know China through a third eye.

The Community of Common Destiny between China and Its Neighboring Countries: a New Paradigm for Promoting Dispute-Resolution and Socio-Economic Development in the World

During the fifth agenda discussions, Chinese and foreign scholars explored the meanings, modalities, and directions of building the CCD. Despite of the differences in the cognition of these notions, there is consensus on one point, i.e. the CCD is a new paradigm, distinct from that of the West, for the promotion of dispute-resolution and socio-economic development in the world.

 

Cognition of the New CCD Paradigm

What is the CCD?

Mr. Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President, Mae Fah Luang University, argued that the world today is in a state of instability, moving from an old world pattern to a new one. The CCD is thought to be an opportunity of development of other countries. On the other hand it is sometimes seen by many countries as a threat to help China to become a regional hegemony, and restate the China-threat theory. In fact, in essence China wishes to link its destiny with that of the world. It is an evolving mechanism, centered on peaceful development and peaceful rise of China. At the same time it is an opportunity for China's neighboring countries to benefi t from it. Presently Thailand is implementing Development Model 4.0, driven by technology and innovation. China and Thailand have a lot of common interests, whereby China needs Thailand and Thailand also needs China.

Basic Principles of the CCD

Ms. Chauyen Lai Shrestha, Department of International Relations, Nepali Congress, and Secretary General, Institute of International Relations, Nepal, suggested to promote regional cooperation and establish mechanisms for the exchange and cooperation of regional think tanks, and enhance common prosperity and development.

Modalities of the Building of CCD

Mr. Khin Zaw Win, Director, Tampadipa Institute, Myanmar, argued against any close cooperation mechanisms. He believed that the world's center is shifting and changing. There are worries about a China-centered world and about China becoming a new hegemony; therefore a loose and flexible cooperation mechanism is more desirable to ensure equality and respect of every country.

Mr. Tang Yongsheng, Executive Deputy Director, Institute of Strategic Studies, the University of National Defense, commented that the CCD is in line with historical development trend. Asian countries, if more closely connected, will be more capable and better positioned to meet all the challenges and deal with uncertainties. The CCD should be a community for win-win, and for benefi ts making and sharing.

Mr. Luo Yingjie, Professor, Department of International Politics, UIR, remarked that it is important to coordinate CCD and the Belt and Road Initiative. This should be a question for consideration by the Chinese diplomacy. What the neighboring countries are hoping is how to benefi t from the two and to achieve win-win. Unlike Western powers, China never claimed any territories from any other regions or countries in the past, and will never do.

 

Recommendations for the Building of the CCD

Mr. Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President, Mae Fah Luang University, recommended to establish an all-inclusive community with China playing a promotional role. China should consider the pace of its development, and ensure that all countries have the opportunity to truly benefit, while at the same time contribute to the establishment of the community. It is also important to abide by the principle of peaceful coexistence. The CCD will bring about self-generated growth, and along with the development of China, provide more assistance and support to other countries through technology transfer and infrastructure investments and promote inclusive growth in the region. Furthermore, countries should enhance cooperation and work together to overcome any difficulties in the implementation process. It is necessary to monitor the entire implementation process of the community, and to ensure good policy and planning, and make adjustments as needed. Finally, she commented that in the multipolar world today, the CCD should maintain a certain degree of fl exibility, so that countries with different capacities can participate in different ways, and avoid dominance by one country.

Roman Mogilevskii, Director, Institute of Public Policy and Administration, University of Central Asia, Kyrgyz Republic, remarked that we needed to fi rst make clear the defi nition of the CCD and the values it represents.

The Vietnamese scholars raised several proposals from a practical point of view. Prof. Do Tien Sam, Former Director General, Institute of Chinese Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, argued that China and ASEAN should continue to promote regional peace and stability for sustainable development. For strategic alignment, it is important that the Chinese proposed policies reflect the principles of equality and mutual benefits. Furthermore, people-topeople exchange is very important and should be promoted. China needs to enhance public relations to promote the benefi ts of the Belt and Road Initiative for ASEAN countries. China should also encourage capable companies and enterprises to invest overseas, while at the same time open up the Chinese market for imports including products from Vietnam. On the other hand, it is necessary to implement the China-ASEAN high-level mechanisms and to effectively manage maritime disputes to maintain peace and stability.

Mr. Huang Yongguang, Senior Research Fellow, Tibet Think Tank, CASS, observed that the CCD had a bright future, but a long way to go. In his view, some of the key policy strategies are consultation and sharing, openness and inclusiveness. In addition, the importance of people-to-people exchange and cultural cooperation cannot be over-emphasized and should be further enhanced, especially in the areas of think tanks, religion, education, and media. In this connection, it is important to regularize the think tank network exchange and cooperation platform.