What This APEC Summit Tells Us

The push for inclusive approaches and development reflects honest commitment to advancing economic cooperation with open mechanisms and flexible pathways. Non-economic issues such as the global fight against terrorism can be addressed with similarly pragmatic and honest approaches.

Yu Sui, Professor, China Center for Contemporary World Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Iljit3

New U.S. Base Crisis in Okinawa Highlights Flaws in Obama’s “Rebalance” Strategy

In Tokyo, the Abe government is creating a new base in which the use of any U.S. air, sea, or ground forces will be unrestricted. Part of the Obama administration’s aim to maintain unchallengeable American military supremacy in East Asia, the construction of this base is already increasing tension throughout the region.

Stephen Harner, Former US State Department Official via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/21ob8Gy

Climate Financing Holds Key to Paris Conference

Historically, international development cooperation without financing arrangements often had no future. Although the Paris Conference opens now, there has been no systemic progress on climate financing. If developed countries fail to make clear arrangements on how to finance the $100 billion target, developing countries may well refuse to sign on the final agreement. It is therefore essential for the parties to reach a realistic and politically acceptable financing scheme.

Han Liqun Researcher, China Institutes of Contemporary Int'l Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NXjxaf

Root Causes of International Terrorism

While outside interference in Middle Eastern affairs has done nothing to improve the employment situation, build strong and efficient political structure, and prompt a solid union against terrorism, a kind of regional security structure including major regional powers and external powers is urgently needed. In this regard, the U.S. can do a lot, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative should be another opportunity for a fresh approach.

Jin Liangxiang, Research Fellow, Shanghai Institute of Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1jn3rhu

South China Sea Arbitration and the Reach and Limits of International Law

Manilla’s arbitration requests in the South China Sea concern the standing of “historic rights”; the status of certain land features in these waters and the maritime entitlements they are capable of generating; and the lawfulness of certain Chinese land reclamation and law enforcement actions. Likely neither Beijing nor Manilla will walk away dejected, however.

Sourabh Gupta Senior Research Associate, Samuels Int'l Associates via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1liPGll

APEC Manila: A Tale of Two Summits

Manila’s just-completed Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) consisted of two parts. The official summit agreed on the need to fight terrorism, enhance economic growth, reduce poverty and increase climate change resiliency. Unofficially, the huge political gulf between the U.S. and China over the South China Sea was on display.

Stewart Taggart Founder & Principal, Grenatec via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NOisBA

International Counter-Terrorism Needs American Strategic Focus

The U.S. must shoulder the responsibility of uniting the civilized world against terrorists and extremists, leading an effort to set aside differences among allies so that they can focus on a whole-hearted effort to eliminate this global threat.

Fu Xiaoqiang Director, Institute of Security and Arms Control, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1IfcB6j