CPPCC Endorses Two Establishments - PLA's Wu Qian's Press Engagement - Wang Yi Speaks to French & Italian FMs on Ukraine War - My Take on a Rules-based Maritime Order in the Indo-Pacific
Hi folks,
Apologies for missing out on yesterday’s edition. My decision to skip was based on the content in the paper, which I didn’t find particularly interesting, and the urgency of other tasks on my plate. But I still will point to one piece from yesterday that is only of value from the viewpoint that it is indicative of the continuing and deepening cult of Xi’s personality. It was this really long article that went back and forth in time showcasing Xi Jinping’s care for and connection with people at the grassroots and how NPC deputies and CPPCC advisors reported back the yearning of the masses to Xi Jinping during the two sessions.
Anyway, here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy from the Friday, March 11, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: The lead report (English report) on the page is about the conclusion of the CPPCC session yesterday and Wang Yang’s speech at the closing. The report says that “the meeting called on CPPCC organisations at all levels, participating units, and CPPCC members to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, forge ahead with vigour and courage, and take concrete actions to welcome the opening of the 20th CPC National Congress.”
A resolution on a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, a resolution on a report on how the proposals from political advisors have been handled since the previous annual session, a report on the examination of new proposals, and a political resolution on the fifth session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee were approved at the meeting.
Wang Yang said that during this session, CPPCC members “unanimously expressed that we should profoundly understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, deeply understand the original thought, revolutionary practice, breakthrough progress and landmark achievements of the new era, and earnestly enhance the political consciousness of the ‘two safeguards’.” 委员们一致表示，要深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，深刻认识新时代的原创性思想、变革性实践、突破性进展、标志性成果，切实增强“两个维护”的政治自觉.
He further called on CPPCC members to center on the 20th CPC National Congress which will be convened in the second half of 2022, and make contributions to a stable and healthy economic environment, social stability and political integrity. And then Wang added:
CPPCC members must “constantly enhance political judgement, political understanding and political execution, consciously maintain a high degree of consistency in ideological and political actions with the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, and earnestly shoulder the political responsibility of implementing the decision-making arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the requirements for the work of the CPPCC, uniting the wisdom and strength of Chinese people at home and abroad.” Wang asked political advisors to adhere to a people-centered approach in their work, and further improve the quality of consultation, improve the system of consultation, and foster a culture of consultation. He also emphasised the 4-4-2 formulation.
If you are interested, Wang Yang’s speech is available in the paper too.
The only other noteworthy bit on the page is an editorial at the conclusion of the CPPCC meeting. Do note that the editorial calls the meeting of the CPPCC “democratic, united, realistic and progressive.”
One of the paragraphs, which is noteworthy, is essentially a reproduction of Xi Jinping’s comments during his meeting with political advisors from the sectors of agriculture and welfare and social security, attending the CPPCC session.
Here’s what it was:
the international situation is continuing to undergo profound and complicated changes, the once-in-a-century changes are intertwined with the once-in-a-century pandemic, economic globalisation is facing counter-currents, the contest/game among major powers is becoming increasingly fierce, the world is entering a new period of turbulent change, and China continues to face arduous tasks of reform, development and stability domestically. 习近平强调，当前，国际形势继续发生深刻复杂变化，百年变局和世纪疫情相互交织，经济全球化遭遇逆流，大国博弈日趋激烈，世界进入新的动荡变革期，国内改革发展稳定任务艰巨繁重.
But he argues that it is important to recognise that China still boasts multiple strategic advantages.
First, the strong leadership of the Party, which “takes the overall situation into account and coordinates all parties in order to provide the fundamental political guarantee for calmly responding to various major risks and challenges”
Second, the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. To make this point, Xi touches on poverty alleviation and COVID-19 control as examples of governance strength and capacity. He also adds that with all this “the contrast between ‘the governance of China’ and ‘chaos in the West’ is even more apparent.”
Third, China has a solid foundation for sustained and rapid development. Its economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense capabilities, and overall national strength have significantly increased. China’s economy is large; there is significant room for manoeuvre and China has a super-large market. The economy has “strong resilience and vitality” and its long-term fundamentals will not change.
Fourth, there is a stable social environment. He says that under the Party’s rule, the level of social governance has been continuously improved.
Fifth, there exists a spiritual strength of self-confidence and self-improvement. The enthusiasm, initiative and creativity of the Chinese people have been further stimulated, their ambition, character and confidence have been unprecedentedly enhanced, and the party, army and people are in high spirits.
习近平强调，当前，国际形势继续发生深刻复杂变化，百年变局和世纪疫情相互交织，经济全球化遭遇逆流，大国博弈日趋激烈，世界进入新的动荡变革期，国内改革发展稳定任务艰巨繁重。我们要看到，我国发展仍具有诸多战略性的有利条件。一是有中国共产党的坚强领导，总揽全局、协调各方，为沉着应对各种重大风险挑战提供根本政治保证。二是有中国特色社会主义制度的显著优势，我国政治制度和治理体系在应对新冠肺炎疫情、打赢脱贫攻坚战等实践中进一步彰显显著优越性，“中国之治”与“西方之乱”对比更加鲜明。三是有持续快速发展积累的坚实基础，我国经济实力、科技实力、国防实力、综合国力显著增强，经济体量大、回旋余地广，又有超大规模市场，长期向好的基本面不会改变，具有强大的韧性和活力。四是有长期稳定的社会环境，人民获得感、幸福感、安全感显著增强，社会治理水平不断提升，续写了社会长期稳定的奇迹。五是有自信自强的精神力量，中国人民积极性、主动性、创造性进一步激发，志气、骨气、底气空前增强，党心军心民心昂扬振奋。我们要既正视困难又坚定信心，发扬历史主动精神，迎难而上，敢于斗争，砥砺前行，奋发有为，以实际行动迎接中共二十大胜利召开.
The editorial thus adds: We should grasp the favourable conditions, firmly develop confidence, carry forward the spirit of historical initiative, unswervingly do our own thing, and stride forward!
The last two paragraphs say this:
“In 2022, the Communist Party of China will hold its 20th National Congress. All aspects of work should be planned and carried out around meeting the 20th Congress, welcoming it well and implementing the spirit of the 20th Congress. The CPPCC should follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the general tone of the work of seeking progress while maintaining stability, adhere to the two major themes of unity and democracy, adhere to the two-way force of advising the government and building consensus…Unity is strength, struggle to create the future. On the new great journey, let us unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’, the ‘four self-confidences’, achieve the ‘two safeguards’, hold high the banner of ideals and beliefs, unite the great strength of the people, maintain the firmness of courage and perseverance, strengthen the great unity of the Chinese people, work together with one heart and one mind, and work hard for the purpose of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way…” 2022年，中国共产党将召开第二十次全国代表大会。各方面工作都要围绕迎接二十大、开好二十大、贯彻二十大精神来谋划和开展。人民政协要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，坚持稳中求进工作总基调，坚持团结和民主两大主题，坚持建言资政和凝聚共识双向发力，紧扣党和国家工作大局广泛凝聚共识，以高质量建言服务高质量发展，持续深化专门协商机构建设，为保持平稳健康的经济环境、国泰民安的社会环境、风清气正的政治环境作出贡献。团结就是力量，奋斗开创未来。在新的伟大征程上，让我们更加紧密地团结在以习近平同志为核心的党中央周围，深刻领会“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，高扬理想信念的旗帜，凝聚万众一心的伟力，保持勇毅笃行的坚定，加强中华儿女大团结，同心同德、奋发有为，为全面建设社会主义现代化国家、实现中华民族伟大复兴的中国梦不懈奋斗，努力争取新的更加伟大的胜利和荣光！
Page 2: Just one report on the page that I’d like to highlight. This one shares details from the press briefing by Wu Qian, spokesman for the PLA and PAP delegation at the NPC. Wu talked about a number of issues, which are also covered in separate English reports. I am linking those too.
“China has allocated a defense budget of 1.47 trillion yuan for 2022, with an increase of 7.1% from the previous year’s executed amount. The increment will mainly be used in four areas: accelerating the modernization of weapons and equipment, cultivating military talents for the new era, deepening the national defense and military reform, and continuously improving the working, training and living conditions of the troops as well as the service members' benefits. Wu clarified that it is groundless for some external forces to hype up the so-called “invisible military spending”. He emphasized that in compliance with the laws and regulations including the national defense law and the budget law, the Chinese government incorporates its defense expenditure budget in the government budget draft every year. As such, the budget is reviewed and approved by the NPC, and managed and used in accordance with law, with the total amount published to the public. China also actively participates in the UN’s military expenditure transparency regime, and has been submitting its annual military expenditure report to the UN since 2008. Wu added that in comparison with major military powers such as the US, China’s defense spending remains relatively low in terms of percentage in GDP, percentage in national fiscal expenditure, and per capita defense expenditure as well as per-serviceperson defense expenditure. Wu stressed that the increase in China’s national defense spending is necessary both to cope with complex security challenges and to fulfil its duties as a major country.”
On pandemic-related cooperation:
“Wu said, to implement Chinese President Xi Jinping’s important declaration on making China’s COVID-19 vaccines a global public good, the Chinese military has so far provided vaccine aid to the militaries of more than 30 countries, including Pakistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, Lebanon, Hungary, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Bolivia. It has also carried out anti-pandemic cooperation with the militaries of over 50 countries, in the form of providing anti-pandemic supplies, sending military medical expert teams, and holding experience-sharing video meetings. By fulfilling its international obligations and providing public security products during the pandemic, the Chinese military’s pragmatic measures have been highly recognized and widely welcomed by the international community.”
It is reported that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan have been hyping up the circling of Taiwan island by the PLA warplanes. In the meantime, the US is selling weapons to the island again. Its senators and former politicians are visiting the island upon each other’s heels. And the US and Japan have repeatedly made wanton remarks about Taiwan-related topics. In response, Wu stressed that there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. More importantly, the Chinese people living on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are brothers and sisters of blood ties and a family sharing the same destiny. “We consistently uphold the guideline of ‘peaceful reunification’ and ‘one country, two systems’, and are willing to make utmost efforts, with the greatest sincerity, to strive for the peaceful reunification across the Taiwan Strait, but we will never tolerate secession from the nation by the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces,” said Snr. Col. Wu. “The exercises and training by the PLA are targeted at ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist activities and the interference by external forces. They are not targeted at Taiwan compatriots,” he added.
According to Snr. Col. Wu, since the DPP came in power, it has refused to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, quickened steps towards “Taiwan independence”, and colluded with external forces to carry out “pro-independence” provocations. The DPP’s actions have seriously harmed the welfare of Taiwan compatriots, grossly undermined the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and are the root cause for the current tension and turmoil across the strait. History has taught us that those who have done injustice to others will eventually bring destruction to themselves. Any attempt at “Taiwan independence” would be a dead end and call for self-destruction. “The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair that brooks no external interference,” emphasized Snr. Col. Wu, adding that Washington and Tokyo’s political ploy to contain China by playing the Taiwan card will be nothing but a pipe dream. “The more aggressive they are on the Taiwan question, the firmer and tougher we will be in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Page 3: The big piece on the page is Wang Yang’s CPPCC work report that he delivered on March 4. But beyond this, there are a couple of reports to note.
First, Wang Yi’s calls (English report) with the foreign ministers of France and Italy on the Ukraine issue. Speaking to French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Wang said:
the major consensus reached by Chinese, French and German leaders during a virtual summit held on Tuesday should be well implemented. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be fully observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously, and all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be supported, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the summit. China’s stance is consistent and clear, Wang said. "We would like to see an early ceasefire and cessation of fighting, which is also the common aspiration of the international community." Concerning the three rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Wang said that although there remain obvious differences between the two sides, the differences will be reduced each time the two speak, the hope for peace will increase, and the goal of a ceasefire and cessation of fighting will be further advanced. China hopes that the international community will continue to encourage and support Russia-Ukraine negotiations and create the necessary environment and conditions for these negotiations, Wang said.”
(Quick thought: I think this is the first formal statement from a senior Chinese official calling for the cessation of fighting from Beijing. Xi Jinping’s call with Macron and Scholz had him speaking about a peaceful settlement, but it did not include such a call for cessation of fighting. I wonder if Wang will ever call Lavrov to say this too. In his presser this morning, Li Keqiang too framed Russia-Ukraine talks as “ceasefire negotiations.”)
The report further adds:
‘China has put forward a six-point proposal to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and is ready to step up communication with France and push the UN Security Council to reach a relevant consensus,’ Wang said. He noted that China always opposes long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law. He said that in the case of weak global economic recovery, unlimited sanctions will undermine the stability of international industrial and supply chains, aggravate the food and energy crisis, and hurt people's livelihoods in all countries. For his part, Le Drian said that France supports efforts to promote peace and hopes that Russian-Ukrainian negotiations will continue. France is ready to continue cooperation with China at the UN Security Council, and contribute to preventing a humanitarian crisis and promoting the diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine issue.”
Speaking to Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, Wang said that:
“the Ukraine crisis is closely related to European security and stability, and China fully understands the great concern of European countries and is deeply grieved that the situation in Ukraine has reached its current state. ‘China is not a party involved, but as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, we will continue to make efforts to ease tensions and seek peace in our own way,’ he said. Wang stressed that behind the Ukraine crisis lies the issue of European security. He said European countries should conduct in-depth and comprehensive discussions with Russia on the basis of the agreement reached so far and in accordance with the principle of the indivisibility of security, so as to form a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework and achieve lasting peace and stability in Europe.”
(Quick thought: I thought Wang’s comments here were interesting. He wants this to be a European dialogue. And the bit of China not being an involved party is also noteworthy. Is this pitching for a sort-of mediation role? Or is this trying to ward off some of the heat owing to Beijing’s proximity to Moscow? I’m very sceptical that Beijing would want to have a mediation role. I also don’t think that it will want to be involved to the extent of hosting talks. My sense is that Beijing would prefer to keep any talks within Europe, while trying to limit the US’ role as much as possible.)
On the business of mediation, here’s a question from the March 8 MoFA press conference, which was after Wang Yi’s chat with the press. Zhao Lijian was non-committal here.
AFP: Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China is open to help in the mediation for peace in Ukraine. Can you give any details on what this means? Has China reached out to Russia or Ukraine to make such an offer?
Zhao Lijian: I can tell you that China supports and encourages all diplomatic efforts conducive to peacefully resolving the Ukraine crisis. We are prepared to continue playing a constructive role to facilitate dialogue for peace and work alongside the international community when needed to carry out necessary mediation.
I also think this by Zhao Lijian from yesterday was interesting: note “conflict broke out.”
TRT: The foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine are meeting today first time since the war began. They are meeting in Turkey and Turkish foreign minister said he will be present at the meeting. So what is your comment and expectations for the ministers’ meeting today in Turkey?
Zhao Lijian: Yesterday, I made clear my position on relevant issues. China welcomes all diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the Ukraine crisis, including the trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting of Turkey, Russia and Ukraine. We note that this is the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the conflict broke out between Russia and Ukraine. We hope relevant parties can meet each other halfway in the principle of mutual respect, sit down for serious negotiations and make positive efforts for a peaceful settlement of the crisis.
Second, ILD’s Song Tao’s meeting with Mongolian Ambassador to China Badral Tuvshin. The ambassador presented a letter of thanks written to Xi Jinping by Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene. The Mongolian ambassador also brought a special gift to celebrate the success of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between political parties of China and Mongolia.
Third, Song Tao’s chat with Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council. Xinhua reports that the two sides exchanged in-depth views on such topics as deepening exchanges of state governance experience and strengthening coordination on international and regional affairs. Song also briefed Zolghadr on China's ongoing "two sessions" and the main spirit of the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.
Finally, a report that tells us that on March 7th, at the UNHRC, there was a discussion on the theme of strengthening technical cooperation and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups amid the pandemic. A Chinese-sponsored resolution on promoting win-win cooperation in the field of human rights was approved.
Some English details of the conversation here.
PD has Li Xiaomei, Special Representative for Human Rights of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, saying that China had adhered to people first and life first, responded vigorously to the epidemic, and attached great importance to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups during the epidemic. Li adds that China is willing to strengthen unity and cooperation with all parties, share beneficial experiences and good practices, strengthen technical cooperation and capacity building, and protect vulnerable groups.
Bolivia’s Freddy Mamani is quoted as saying that “the capitalist system has created severe inequalities, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has made all parties more aware of the importance of the right to health, but some monopoly enterprises are still putting profits above human life, which is making it difficult for developing countries to obtain COVID-19 vaccines and medicines fairly. Bolivia appreciates that the Chinese government has provided millions of doses of vaccines and other epidemic prevention materials to Bolivia, and calls on all parties to carry out technical cooperation in vaccines and other fields.”
Page 4: Some official resolutions adopted during the Two Sessions are on the page.
So, there’s the Political Resolution of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The resolution is essentially a notch in Xi Jinping’s belt. Some points mentioned in the document:
It endorses the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, and reiterates the 4-4-2 formulation
It calls on all levels of CPPCC organizations, participating units and CPPCC members to unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core ahead of the 20th Party Congress. Of course, the upcoming Party Congress is described as a “major political task.”
It stresses that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on strengthening and improving the work of the CPPCC.
It calls for “fostering a strong sense of community among the Chinese nation and adhering to the orientation of adapting religion to Chinese conditions. It is necessary to fully, accurately and unswervingly implement the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ and firmly implement the principles of ‘patriots governing Hong Kong’ and ‘patriots governing Macao’. It is necessary to adhere to the One-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and firmly oppose secessionist moves for ‘Taiwan independence.’ We should strengthen friendly exchanges with other countries and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Next, there’s a Report of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference on the Proposal Work since the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Quite a mouthful, isn’t it. This was delivered by Liu Xincheng on March 4, and it also endorses the Two Establishments.
Other Stories:
Saudi, Chinese firms sign deal on space technologies, satellites, AI cooperation (not in PD)
Voting at the NPC on key documents:
China Puts Tough Reforms on Hold to Focus On Growth: NPC Roundup
Finally, I am sharing below my comments on Building a Rules-based Maritime Order from yesterday’s workshop themed “A Roadmap for Indo-Pacific Regional Cooperation in the Post-COVID 19 World Order” organised by the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, and the US Consulate General. I hope you’ll find them useful.
“I am going to keep my opening remarks brief, basically addressing three key points:
First, what does it mean when we say that we would like to establish a rules-based order.
Second, what are the kinds of issues that such an order in the maritime domain must contend with.
And finally, I’d like to offer some provocations about how we can potentially build an effective rules-based maritime order.
So, let me begin with the first of these three points by unpacking the phrase: a “rules-based order.” To me, this phrase captures two distinct ideas, which reflect the reality of our times.
In a very broad sense, order in international relations – where states are the primary actors – refers to the absence of chaos or anarchy. As a corollary to this, it also implies the existence of some sort of an architecture around the distribution of power and the norms or rules governing the use of power. Throughout history, we have seen multiple orders take shape – from the peace of Westphalia to the bipolarity of the Cold War; the emergence of US unipolarity to the flux that we witness at present, which people like Ambassador Shivshankar Menon have aptly described as a world that is adrift and in search for an order.
That brings me to the bit about an order being rules-based.
From my perspective, the fact that we are talking about the need for a new rules-based order as a whole, but also specifically in the maritime domain, is a reflection of a few fundamental changes that have and are continuing to take place:
Number 1, despite the strains it faces, economic globalisation remains critical to the prosperity of nations. There is also an increasing recognition of the importance of securing the maritime domain as the key pathway for goods trade.
Number 2, discussions about the necessity of a rules-based maritime order are also reflective of a shift in the distribution of power in the maritime domain, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Among the many actors that are now more sea-aware and focussing on maritime power development, it is the rise of China, the tremendous expansion of its naval capacity and the extension of the PLA Navy’s footprint beyond its periphery that presents the most pressing challenges.
Number 3, it is increasingly evident that amid all these changes in the distribution of power and the new set of issues that we face, existing international institutions and old structures are strained and are struggling to adapt. One just needs to see the controversies around UNCLOS and developments in the South China Sea as examples.
This brings me to the second point about the issues/challenges/problems that we face in the maritime domain. These call for new understandings over a shared set of rules, and, of course, expanded maritime domain awareness and surveillance.
I like to classify these issues into four buckets: structural, governance, security and relief and adaptation challenges. Of course, many of the issues overlap across these classifications, and addressing them will require a range of actions. But I find such a classification analytically helpful because it provides a dominant prism through which one can think about solutions.
In the structural basket, I place issues such as use of force and aggression by one state against another, the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, changes in balance of power through extended and permanent deployments, new basing agreements and the management of territorial disputes.
In the governance basket, I place issues in areas like norms for exploitation and preservation of shared resources, addressing damages to the marine ecology, safety and security of sea-lanes of communications, development of the blue economy, and so on and so forth.
In the security basket fall issues related to terrorism, piracy, coastal security and human and drug trafficking, to name a few.
And finally, relief and adaptation refers to joint action that states need to take to limit and mitigate the negative effects of climate change and natural disasters.
This is, of course, not an exhaustive list of the issues. But I do hope it offers a flavour of the areas that states need to work on to arrive at shared understandings or rules of the road.
This brings me to the final of the three points that I had initially mentioned. That is, how we can potentially build an effective rules-based maritime order?
One mode that we are currently witnessing is the establishment of minilateral arrangements or issue-based coalitions. These arrangements are essentially bringing together actors who have a commonality of purpose – or who are like-minded - to work together with few organisational constraints in order to arrive at common approaches towards a policy issue. So we are seeing different actors take leads in areas like marine plastic waste and marine ecology, maritime transport and connectivity and maritime security, and so on. The Quad is one such critical formation, and the aim of these groupings should be to experiment with and deliver outcomes unencumbered by institutional constraints of large traditional mechanisms, thereby setting high-quality standards and providing frameworks that others can adopt.
But beyond such groups, we need a more broad-based dialogue on shared common concerns such as:
resource preservation and sharing, particularly when it comes to say fishing in international waters;
anti-piracy action
tackling human and drug trafficking or
climate change mitigation.
On some of these issues, we can see states working bilaterally, tri-laterally or quadrilaterally, but I do think that if we need to have more effective governance in some of these areas, we will require all major actors active in the Indo-Pacific to get on the table and agree on common actions.
Finally, on structural issues, I think it’s not only important to underscore the significance of the fundamental norms of international relations, such as the centrality of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with peaceful resolution of disputes. In addition, it is also critical to have honest conversations between major powers about specific red lines, while empowering regional powers through military capacity and economic development so that they can preserve these norms in the face of revisionist pressures.”