Forum explores direction of international security

The 14th International Security Studies Forum, which took place in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province from Thursday to Friday, drew nearly 200 scholars from more than 70 universities, research institutes and journals.

Co-hosted by Huaqiao University, the University of International Relations, the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies and Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, the forum centered on the theme "International security governance amid accelerating global change: capacity building and order shaping".

At the opening ceremony, Hu Jiping, president of the University of International Relations, highlighted that the logic of security is undergoing a profound transformation. This shift makes it imperative to enhance governance capacity and reshape the global security order through innovative security thinking and improved mechanisms. He noted that the Global Security Initiative has gained widespread resonance because it voices the genuine concerns of many countries: security is indivisible, dialogue should take precedence over confrontation, and partnerships should be favored over alliances. China's support in this area has helped amplify the voices of the Global South.

Xu Xipeng, Party Secretary of Huaqiao University, emphasized the urgency by noting that global changes are accelerating and gaps in peace, development, security, and governance are widening. He stated that Huaqiao University is leveraging its strengths to develop national security studies as an interdisciplinary field. This effort aims to contribute to the creation of an independent knowledge system in the national security discipline and support China's national security strategy.

Zheng Xiancao, Party Secretary of Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, highlighted the need for scholars to explore ways to balance development and security within a holistic national security framework. He underscored the importance of supporting the national security system and enhancing modernization capabilities. Zheng called for closer cross-institutional collaboration to foster innovation and advance the development of an indigenous knowledge system for the discipline.

The keynote speeches were delivered in two sessions. Among the speakers were Tang Yongsheng from the PLA National Defense University, who discussed the logic of global changes and their impact on national security; Pang Xun from Peking University, who explored the interplay between generative artificial intelligence, national security, and global governance; and Lin Hongyu, vice-president of Huaqiao University, who focused on a holistic approach to national security.

Five parallel panels addressed a range of topics: national security theory and capacity building, major-power competition and international security governance, Asia-Pacific security, the security of global industry and supply chains and overseas assets, and emerging and non-traditional security issues. Over 80 scholars participated in in-depth discussions on these subjects.

Tan Xiuying, editor-in-chief of the Journal of International Security Studies, delivered concluding remarks at the closing ceremony. The 15th forum is scheduled to be held next year in Yinchuan, the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region.