China invites neighbours for 'security governance model'
Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited China's neighbours to "to build consensus and step up dialogue" for "a security governance model with Asian features." Xi made the call during the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) organised by Beijing on April 28, 2016. He also spoke about the failure of the US's "Rebalance" or "Pivot Asia" strategy.
The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is an intergovernmental forum which was first proposed by Kazakhstan's President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, in 1992. Established in 1999, it has 26 members, 12 countries and international organisations as observers. Headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the forum aims to promote dialogue and consultation on Asia's security issues to promote peace, security and stability in Asia.
The fifth Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was organised in Beijing where Xi Jinping addressed the opening ceremony and called for a renewd approach to regional security cooperation.
The Obama administration embarked on a new East Asian policy, "Pivot Asia" or "re-balance" doctrine. The policy aimed at "strengthening bilateral security alliances; deepening our working relationships with emerging powers, including with China; engaging with regional multilateral institutions; expanding trade and investment; forging a broad-based military presence; and advancing democracy and human rights". It also involved increasing military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 're-balance' doctrine which coincided with the rise of China as a regional superpower and a global economic powerhouse was perceived by China as a 'containment strategy' by the US.
The tensions between China and the US are already high over the construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea (SCS). China claims almost the whole of SCS as its own. The neighbouring nations including Vietnam and the Philippines vehemently refute the Chinese claims. The US has said that these artificial islands affect freedom of navigation, trade and territorial rights of neighbouring nations.
Chinese President, Xi Jinping has criticised the US's Pivot Asia policy as it "did not bring about Asian peace, but only uncertainty". Beijing seeks to pursue a security doctrine that is led by China and not the US. While the details of the "security governance model with Asian features" are still under progress, People's Daily commentary mentions Asian features include "openness and inclusiveness".
China claims that the 'dual track approach' of 'peace and stability' will "create a bright future for Asia" and "will be best for Asian development".
