Scholars at a recent forum suggested coordinating and improving current mechanisms to create a multi-level, extensive and integrated network for security in the Asia-Pacific region.

The seventh Xiangshan (Fragrant Hill) Forum was concluded on Oct. 12 in Beijing. It gathered approximately 400 representatives from 59 countries and six international organizations.

Since the Cold War ended, the Asia-Pacific region has generally been peaceful and stable, progressively establishing itself as the most vigorous and promising region in the world. However, security issues in the area have become increasingly complicated, transnational and diverse.

Given the situation, Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh said it is necessary to transition from the Cold-War mentality to a security concept more suited to the 21st century. The alliance model of big countries has been ineffective in such an interdependent world.

Security is not the private product of any one country. Belonging to all countries, it is an international public good, so the security architecture for the Asia-Pacific region must be open and inclusive, he said.

Due to the diversity of the region, it is difficult to form a unified security architecture within a short period, scholars said, adding that it is essential to strengthen existing mechanisms to promote the construction of the architecture.

Banh said that the central role of ASEAN in regional cooperation is critical to achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.

He pointed out the success of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting model, which offers a platform for dialogue, consultation and cooperation among members of ASEAN and its partners.

An important security mechanism, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has enjoyed growing clout in recent years. Zakir Tilenov, deputy head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic, said that the SCO has become a significant factor in ensuring the peace, safety and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and a pillar for building a multipolar world.

Scholars also cited such dialogue platforms as the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Xiangshan Forum and the Asia-Pacific Roundtable as components of the Asia-Pacific security network.

Lauding the practicality of the Xiangshan Forum held by China, Minister of National Defense of Laos Chansamone Chanyalath said it can contribute wisdom that is invaluable to maintaining the peace and prosperity of the region.

Whether the Asia-Pacific security architecture can be successfully built largely depends on international relations as well as interactions among major countries in the region. The interactions between China and the United States in the area was a hot topic on the forum.

The United States should understand that China hopes to play a bigger role in regional and global affairs, said Evan Medeiros, former senior director for Asian affairs at the US National Security Council, suggesting that the next US administration should join the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank and send positive signals to China.

Su Ge, president of the China Institute of International Studies, said China and the United States should view each other’s strategic intent properly. China has no intention of seeking hegemony and spheres of influence in the Asia-Pacific region, forming any military alliance or excluding the United States, he said.

Instead, China hopes that the United States can play a constructive role in the region, accept the fact that China is growing stronger, respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and get along well with the country, Su said.