EURISC Foundation visit to China - Beijing and Shanghai, 9-17 September 2012

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1 Since 1995, when relations with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) were established, there have been yearly meetings between EURISC and CICIR, dedicated to deepening each side s understanding of the other country s interests and concerns. The venue of the meetings alternates between Bucharest and Beijing, meaning that every second year the visiting delegation also has a chance to engage in talks with government officials, academia, NGOs and institutions of research and learning in the host country. This year marked the eleventh visit of EURISC Foundation to China. Thanks to CICIR and its partners, the members of the Romanian delegation had meetings with a wide range of organizations and leading experts in international relations forming a representative sample of the Chinese scientific and academic community. The delegation included Dr. Liviu Muresan, President of the EURISC Foundation; Ambassador Sergiu Celac, Director, Romanian Institute of International Studies/ EURISC Foundation, former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Gen. (r) Dumitru Prunariu, Cosmonaut, Vice President of the EURISC Foundation, President of the Association of Space Explorers; and Alexandru Georgescu, EURISC Research Fellow. During the discussions, the EURISC delegation, acting within its remit as a non-governmental think tank, raised a number of points and presented several concrete proposals designed to advance bilateral cooperation between the peoples of China and Romania and to provide assistance for better communications between China and the European Union, which were noted with interest by the Chinese counterparts. The Chinese interlocutors emphasized the importance that China attached to a constructive partnership with the European Union and its institutions, considering that, in 2012, China becomes EU s number one trade partner despite a certain reduction of the Chinese exports to Europe. Definitely, China is interested in avoiding a trade war and expects full reciprocity from the EU. The Chinese authorities are keen to overcome the current difficulties caused by the effects of the financial crisis, particularly with regard to China s exports of solar panels, and are mindful of the increasing interdependences in modern economic affairs worldwide. The exchanges of views on recent developments in the international scene revealed considerable similarities of analytical perspectives that far outweighed the specific interpretations setting us apart. The common denominator was support for a pragmatic approach and result-oriented action. This bodes well for future cooperation, not just within the traditional partnership between CICIR and EURISC but also involving other organizations, members of academia and scientific establishments in China and Romania. The detailed discussion during the visit enabled the EURISC Foundation to sound out various ideas for further cooperation and to gain valuable insight into Chinese views, concerns and attitudes on topics of mutual interest. 1 / 7

2 1. One of the main suggestions of the EURISC Foundation was to seek practical ways for involving China in the implementation of the EU Danube Strategy for regional development. The Chinese counterparts showed active interest in the nature and scope of this European initiative, which recognizes the importance of the River Danube in connecting Central and Eastern Europe, including developed and developing countries, EU member states and aspiring candidates for EU membership. Beyond its importance as an international waterway, the Danube has the potential to serve as a conduit for goods, energy, finance, tourism, communication, and environmental protection. In fact, the first European institution was the Danube Commission, established in 1865 with its operational headquarters in Romania, presaging the subsequent development of modern international institutions. The Romanian delegation argued that it made sense for the Danube to become a major vector for cross-border development in that part of Europe. The Danube Strategy calls for 100 billion euros worth of investment in the area in the next ten years. Aside from the normal interest that such an economic opportunity should elicit from China, involvement in the Danube Strategy would also complement the Chinese efforts to develop a closer partnership with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, considering the recent inaugural event in Warsaw and the establishment of a Secretariat in Beijing. Most of the participating countries in the CEE initiative are also part of the Danube Strategy. 2. The EURISC delegation also explored the possibility of opening lines of dialogue between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and NATO-affiliated organizations. The reason cited was the interest of European think-tanks focusing on security matters in gaining a better understanding of the still evolving nature of the SCO and its stated aims and capabilities. A past EURISC Foundation contribution to this end was made during a previous visit to China, when the Romanian delegation made contact with the SCO Secretariat and subsequently arranged for its Secretary General to attend a NATO-supported security conference in Italy, four years ago. Since then little progress has taken place. This time the EURISC Foundation took the opportunity to suggest that a member of the SCO Secretariat or an affiliated organization should take part in the Conference on Anti-Terrorism in Ankara, Turkey, in November This first step might be followed through with a conference in Bucharest, bringing together some security-minded European think tanks with their counterparts in SCO member countries. The purpose would be to share ideas and identify areas for possible cooperation. The EURISC delegation suggested that possible areas could include transboundary organized crime, fight against terrorism, and energy security. The response from the SCO Secretariat officials, though initially noncommittal, was essentially positive. 3. Another EURISC proposal, which came as a welcome surprise to the Chinese hosts, concerned potential cooperation on the subject of outer space security. China has substantial interests and ambitions in space exploration and is one of the very few countries capable of fielding a full space programme, including components of human flight. The EURISC 2 / 7

3 Foundation, partnering with the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA), a full member of the European Space Agency, is currently engaged in exploring topics related to space security, including risk governance of ground-based assets. Our latest project, Space systems as critical infrastructures, highlights the growing awareness of the importance of protecting critical infrastructures and the fact that our dependence on space-based assets has given rise to a new class of security concerns. There is ample scope for cooperation in researching these new phenomena since China has been an important partner in European space projects, such as the Galileo satellite network, since The presentation was well received and is likely to have a lasting impact, as it was given by the Vice-President of the EURISC Foundation, Gen. (ret) Dorin Prunariu, Romania s first cosmonaut and an authority on space development, having chaired the UN Commission on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and being the current President of the Association of Space Explorers. Having become a space power, China appears willing to benefit from developing aspects of space security, both as a future growth industry and as a requirement for the protection of its own interests. The EURISC Foundation delegation visited and had talks with a number of institutions and organizations covering a broad spectrum of preoccupations in the sphere of international affairs. Below are some highlights of the discussions with leading Chinese experts and officials. 1. China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) The roundtable at the CICIR head offices was hosted by Assistant President Feng Zhongping and was followed in a more informal setting over dinner with President Cui Liru at his official residence. During the discussions the Chinese interlocutors presented their views on the developments in Europe in light of the on-going crisis, relations with the United States in the run-up to the presidential elections and the general situation in the Asia-Pacific region. The encouraging prospects for a special relation with Germany were underlined. They also expressed interest in the Danube Strategy coupled with the Chinese initiative for Central Europe and in possible cooperation on space security in a bilateral and broader format. 2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) The delegation was accompanied by HE Doru Costea, Ambassador of Romania to China, and 3 / 7

4 was hosted by Mr. Chen Li, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs of the MFA. Mr. Chen Li recalled the traditional friendly ties between the two countries that provide a sound foundation for pragmatic, mutually rewarding cooperation now and in the future. He expressed interest in the proposals advanced by the EURISC Foundation. An important part of the discussion was related to China s efforts at establishing a closer partnership with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The Chinese interlocutors reiterated the importance that China continued to attach to a constructive relationship with the EU, stressing the recent positive developments in the bilateral cooperation with Germany. The EURISC delegation also commented on the symbolic significance of the first ever visit by a Chinese naval ship to the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta. 3. China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) The delegation had talks with Vice President Dong Manyuan and Director of European Studies Cui Hongjian. The Institute operates as reserve of cadres for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with about one-third of its research staff being posted with the Chinese diplomatic missions overseas. The Chinese speakers focused mainly on the current problems in the EU-China trade relations, with allegations of unfair treatment on the part of central institutions in Brussels. They also expressed a certain apprehension about the effectiveness of the remedial actions undertaken in connection with the sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone in the context of the current economic and institutional turbulence in the EU. As a major partner of the EU, China is interested in the stability and further consolidation of the European single market and has to consider the effects of current uncertainties on future economic prospects. 4. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretariat The EURISC Foundation delegation was hosted by Nurlan Akkoshkarov, Political Adviser to the Secretary-General of the SCO. It was noted that this was not the Foundation s first visit to the SCO Secretariat headquarters and that past discussions actually produced some tangible results. Dr. Liviu Muresan presented the EURISC proposal for initiating a dialogue between organizations and think tanks affiliated to NATO and SCO, respectively, to explore the potential for cooperation in energy security, combating terrorism and transboundary organized crime. The proposal was well received. It was agreed to consider the possibility for SCO representatives to attend conferences under NATO aegis, with the caveat that the subject of energy security cannot be usefully handled by the SCO Secretariat in its current format. 4 / 7

5 5. Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) The delegation was received by Vice-President Peng Keyu, who presented the eventful history of the organization ever since it was initiated by late Premier Zhou Enlai. The discussion covered a comprehensive presentation of the doctrine of the peaceful rise of China and the role that non-governmental organizations, think tanks and people-to-people contacts can play in promoting better international understanding. Of note was Vice-President Peng Keyu s briefing on the Diaoyu Islands controversy which, at the moment of the visit, was heating up and gaining international attention. 6. Department of International Relations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China The Deputy Director of the Department described the main policy priorities that are likely to be discussed and approved at the forthcoming Congress of the Communist Party of China. The main focus will be on continuity with a special emphasis on domestic economic and social reform in line with the tenets of sustainable development. The consequences of the still on-going global financial and economic crisis and the resulting diminished demand on the US and EU markets is causing China to redirect its attention to the continued growth of the domestic market, scientific and technological innovation, and a more equitable distribution of national wealth. The Chinese interlocutors evinced a keen interest in the ideological component of the US presidential campaign and the rising significance of the political families in the European Parliament. 7. Shanghai Institutes of International Studies (SIIS) Vice President Chen Dongxiao stated that China was entering a new phase of economic, social, cultural and political transition aiming to achieve stability with progress. Though no drastic changes are expected, further developments would envisage a more active engagement of the political leadership with the emerging middle class and civil society. It is envisaged to pay more 5 / 7

6 attention to the sustainability of the economic model, including the mitigation of the effects of climate change and the development of renewable sources of energy. Energy infrastructure and maritime transit are vital for China since 80% of its energy resources have to be imported. 8. East China Normal University The EURISC Foundation delegation had talks with Prof Xingming Pan, Director of the Centre for International Development of the School for Advanced International Area Studies. Also present were other members of the faculty, experts in international relations, as well as Master and Doctoral candidates. The introductory presentations were followed by an active exchange of views in an open questions-and-answers session which covered a broad spectrum of topics: the global financial/economic crisis and its political implications for a possible two-speed Europe, the US pivot to Asia-Pacific, the current phase in the relations of Central and East European countries with Russia, the development of new energy corridors. 9. Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) The EURISC Foundation delegation was hosted by Vice-President Prof. Wang Zhen, Dr. Li Lifan, Secretary General of the Centre for SCO Studies, and directors of various departments of SASS. The Academy is closely associated with the Shanghai Municipality and offers a model of academic support for urban and regional development, assistance to small and medium enterprises, selection of the most promising projects for public financing. The subsequent discussion with Dr. Li Lifan, also revealed additional possibilities for promoting a more active dialogue between his organization and think-tanks in Europe. The visit of the EURISC Foundation to China can be counted as a successful one in terms of level, quality and content of the discussions. The delegation noted the rising academic excellence of the research in international affairs at various Chinese institutions, including their youngest members and future leaders. The exchanges were productive for initiating new cooperative projects with some organizations introduced by our long-time partners at CICIR. The delegation also noted a deep and abiding interest on the part of the Chinese counterparts about the functioning of the EU institutions and ways to resolve the current difficulties related to 6 / 7

7 communication and constructive interaction. On the whole, the Chinese counterparts appeared to be mindful of the risks associated with China s rapid ascent and of the need to alleviate some possible misapprehensions. They were quick to point out that the envisaged development of the internal consumer market in China could become a potent source of recovery for the world economy. This was a growing concern for the Chinese policy thinkers because external shocks could dampen the pace of growth and undermine stability. They highlighted in particular the importance of enhanced communication and exposure of the various Chinese organizations that met the EURISC delegation during the visit to a European view of the current trends and interpretation of events. 7 / 7