Page 26 - IDFR-Diplomatic Voice Vol 2 2014

NEWS sity of British Columbia, Canada as the Chair; and Prof. Dr. Chen Dong- xiao, President of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies; Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Nathan, Class of 1919 Professor of Political Science, Depart- ment of Political Science of Columbia University, US; and H.E. Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan, Ambassador at-Large and Policy Adviser of the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs as speakers. The speakers spoke about Understanding the “New Type” of Major Power Relations, an idea introduced by then Vice President of China Xi Jinping during his visit to the US in February 2012. It was interesting to note the similarity in both Prof. Dr. Chen’s and Prof. Dr. Andrew’s under- standing of the said idea despite their Mitsuya’s view on mutual trust as the and Managing Security in the Asia different nationalities. In short, the idea first step in forging closer relations Pacific. In this session, matters related was understood as China’s hope for between countries (first plenary to the South China Sea, North Korean US to treat it fairly and equally; to session), questioning if it [mutual trust] nuclear problem, US-China relations, recognize its legitimate security is an excuse not to or a prerequisite to and Sino-Japanese competition were interests; and to refrain from trying to forge relations between countries. He discussed. It was said that there are block its peaceful rise because both then gave an example, pointing out significant differences between the China and US will benefit from the that China and Malaysia did not have security environments in Europe and peaceful accommodation of China’s much trust against each other in the Northeast Asia and that it is still legitimate security interests. early 1970’s, still, both countries premature to talk about collective managed to establish diplomatic security in Northeast Asia as bilateral The third plenary session was made relations and later to build mutual trust security arrangements will remain the up of Tan Sri Mohamed Jawhar that have lasted until today. backbone of its security for a consi- Hassan, Chairman of ISIS Malaysia as derable period of time. the Chair; and Prof. Dr. Yan Xuetong, The fourth plenary session, made up Director of the Institute of International of Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Chief The fifth plenary session was about Studies of Tsinghua University; Prof. Executive of ISIS Malaysia as the Myanmar’s Political and Economic Tomohide Murai, Chairman for the Chair; H.E. Ambassador Viorel Isticio- Reforms. The chair was Associate International Relations Programme of aia Budura, Managing Director for Asia Professor Simon S.C. Tay and the the Japan National Defence Academy; and the Pacific and Chair, Asia-Ocea- speakers were Dr. Tin Maung Maung and Mr. Jusuf Wanandi, Co-Founder nia Working Party (COASI), the Euro- Than, Senior Research Fellow of and Senior Fellow of CSIS & pean External Action Service (EEAS), Singapore Institute of South East Vice-Chairman, Board of Trustees, the European Union; Major General Asian Studies (ISEAS); Dr. Zaw Oo, Indonesia CSIS Foundation as spea- Jun Nagashima, Cabinet Councillor Economic advisor to the President of kers. The topic discussed was Reset- and Deputy Assistant Chief Cabinet Myanmar and Executive Director of ting Sino-Japanese Relations. The Secretary, National Security Secretari- Centre for Economic and Social highlight of this session was the differ- at of Japan; Professor Dr. Kim Development at the Myanmar Re- ing views and perceptions of Chinese Sung-han, Director of Ilmin Interna- source Development Institute; and Mr. and Japanese scholars against the tional Relations Institute (IIRI) of Korea Soe Myint, Founder and Editor- intentions of their countries and on University and former Vice-Minister of in-Chief of Mizzima Media Group of issues such as the importance of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Myanmar. In this session, the partici- mutual trust in forging relations Republic of Korea; and Ms. Kelly E. pants were informed of Myanmar’s between countries. Prof. Murai was Magsamen, Acting Assistant Secre- undergoing significant political and wary of possible “small war” in East tary of Defense and Principal Deputy economic reforms and the rather Asia that could jeopardise the security Assistant Secretary of Defense for positive impact they have on Myan- and peace of the region. Prof. Dr. Yan, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs of mar’s media industry. It was also of course, rebutted his proposition. Department of Defense, USA, as suggested that as Myanmar is a “late Prof. Dr. Yan also rebutted Mr. speakers, was about Fostering Peace comer” in the region, it is prepared to 26 bulletin@idfr.gov.my