Experts' views at the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum

China a true contributor to regional peace

Piyal De Silva

Security forums are essential for maintaining global peace, stability and security, because they promote collaboration, communication and produce practical solutions to a variety of security problems. Security forums also influence the shaping of the global security environment, and can be used to encourage dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to disputes or to defuse tensions.

The ongoing Beijing Xiangshan Forum is one of the leading security forums in the world. It discusses regional and global security challenges and concerns, and focuses on common potential threats, such as terrorism, cyberattacks, global crimes and geopolitical challenges. Such forums can help governments and international organizations create and strengthen security policies, strategies and action plans while reducing the chances of misunderstandings and disputes. Also, such forums promote dialogue between decision-makers, experts and practitioners, and help them seek solutions to problems.

Like other forums, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum too can raise public awareness about important issues such as climate change and public health, thereby increasing public engagement and activism. Conferences such as the Beijing Xiangshan Forum will continue to be useful platforms for debating and addressing regional security issues given the changing security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

The "Indo-Pacific region" is home to crucial international trade routes such as the Suez Canal, Malacca Strait, Strait of Hormuz and the South China Sea. Goods, energy and raw materials are shipped to and from different parts of the world through these sea routes. And any hindrance to these routes could destabilize global trade and the world economy.

Energy resources, such as oil and natural gas, are widely available in the "Indo-Pacific region". Many nations rely on these resources to meet their energy needs. Energy supply infrastructure and supply routes must be secured to prevent energy shortages and price volatility, which could affect the world economy.

Given its strategically significant environment, the region also has to deal with a number of maritime security threats, which harm global trade and countries' national security. These threats include terrorism and piracy, illegal and unregulated fishing, narcotics smuggling and human trafficking.

Besides, the numerous territorial disputes in the region could turn violent and threaten regional stability and global trade. For the region to remain peaceful, it is essential that all countries uphold international law, ensure maritime security and resolve their disputes through peaceful means.

The devastating impacts of climate change are being felt globally. To lessen the effects of climate change and better protect the ecosystems and people's livelihoods, deeper cooperation in the fields of environmental protection and disaster management is required.

And strengthening cybersecurity is necessary to ensure unhindered economic development, safeguard national security, and promote the wellbeing of the people. Therefore, governments, businesses and individuals must all work together to strengthen cybersecurity if they want to protect their interests and ensure the prosperity of the region. But since cyber threats are ever changing, it is important to keep up with the latest developments and re-evaluate the existing cybersecurity measures.

As a stable and major economic power, China is playing a pivotal role in promoting development in the region with its development philosophy of win-win cooperation and partnerships. More important, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has now become a worldwide infrastructure improvement and economic development project.

Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has contributed to global development by building and improving mega infrastructure such as ports, railroads and highways in several Asian, Southeast Asian, African and European countries, which could accelerate host countries' socioeconomic development.

The peaceful coexistence of various countries that follow different political systems and have different interests and security needs requires peace and political stability. And a peaceful region reduces the risk of conflict, allowing countries to focus on cooperation and development.

I strongly believe that this year's Beijing Xiangshan Forum is an ideal platform to address the impending issues and to initiate proactive approaches to find solutions to problems, in order to have a stable and secure region.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

The author is former commander of the Sri Lanka's navy.