Making East Asia peaceful, prosperous

Editor's Note: An academic forum on Northeast Asia, "Multicultural Coexistence and Choices for Border Areas", was held at Yanbian University in Yanji, Jilin province, over the weekend. Excerpts from the speeches of some of the participating scholars, put together by China Daily's reporter Cui Shoufeng, follow:

East Asia is one of the most economically advanced regions in the world, but it has not witnessed sufficient economic cooperation between the region's countries. Political hindrance such as a Cold War mentality and the hegemonistic attitude of the US and Japan are primarily to blame for that.

Hence, Beijing's benign relationship with Washington and Tokyo should be seen as a major boost to the region's stability, even though it hinges on further growth in China's comprehensive strength.

Additionally, given the mutual distrust between the major East Asian powers, which is unlikely to change in a short while, more sincere joint efforts are needed from all regional countries to make the wrongs right. Dialogues and negotiations of strategic importance, instead of vague cooperative postures, should be held between governments to that end.

Besides, the proposed Free Trade Agreement, if signed by China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, will help institutionalize economic cooperation in the region. Also, cooperation in environmental protection, which is probably the least controversial issue, can rebuild mutual trust among the regional countries.

Li Wen, deputy director of the National Institute of International Strategy, affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China

The relationship between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has changed since the latter conducted the third nuclear test in 2013. In fact, Beijing's participation in the UN-led sanctions against Pyongyang after its third nuclear test is being interpreted as a tipping point in bilateral ties.

Moreover, top Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to the ROK in July, breaking the established diplomatic practice of visiting the DPRK before the Republic of Korea, reflects Beijing's intention of strengthening China-ROK cooperation.

But China-DPRK ties will continue to develop for the sake of mutual national interest. To cope with the US-led containment policy and maintain the balance of power on the Korean Peninsula, China needs the DPRK as a close ally. And, of course, Pyongyang will require Beijing's assistance to integrate into the international community.

Zhao Lixin, director of the Department of International Political Science, Yanbian University, Jilin province, China

The key to a stable Northeast Asia is permanent peace, which is something that the DPRK craves and supports. The DPRK needs a peaceful environment to become culturally and economically prosperous, which is the prime goal of DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.

Korea was divided not because of internal conflicts but because of the US-led intervention in the 1950s, with the 38th Parallel - an unsolicited agreement between the US and the Soviet Union after World War II - playing an important role. Using force to divide a sovereign state is an old trick of the US to play a dominating role and rake in considerable strategic and economic interests. Hence, to resist such intervention, Pyongyang must safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.

Korea can and should be reunited on the basis of the unity of all Koreans instead of pressure from outside forces. This is not to say that we should not selectively absorb the advanced cultures and technologies of other countries. It is blind copying that should be avoided.

Pak Hyok Chol, dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at Kim Il-sung University, DPRK

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