Xi Jinping issues veiled warning to US, Asian allies over alliances

 

He also pledged "zero tolerance" for terrorism, separatism and extremism in the region as he called on Asian countries to build a new "sustainable" and "durable" security 

cooperation structure.

 

"We cannot just have the security of one or some countries while leaving the rest insecure," said Xi in a keynote speech at the fourth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) here in the east China metropolis.

 

"One who tries to blow (out) other's oil lamp will get his beard on fire," the president warned, citing a Kazakh proverb.

 

Without taking names, Xi said: "To beef up an entrenched or military alliance targeted at a third party is not conducive to maintaining common security. We should strengthen... international and regional cooperation, and step up the fight against the 'three forces', in order to bring a life of happiness and tranquility to the people of this region," said Xi, also head of the ruling Communist Party of China.

 

Eleven heads of state and officials from 40 countries, including India, took part in the summit, where China took over the CICA presidency from Turkey.

 

As the new government is yet to take office, India is represented at the conference by Dinkar Khullar, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs.

 

Xi's remarks came two days after the US indicted five Chinese military officers for serious cybersecurity breaches and allegedly stealing trade secrets from six American 

entities - in the first-ever charges against known state actors.

 

China and Vietnam ties have worsened after Beijing sent a deep-water oil drilling rig into contested waters in the South China Sea earlier this month following which violent protests in Vietnam killed at least four Chinese nationals.

 

Separately, the Philippines accuses China of reclaiming land on a disputed reef within its exclusive economic zone under a UN convention, while China and Japan are at 

loggerheads over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

 

During his April visit to Asia, US President Barack Obama also sought to reassure allies like Japan and the Philippines that America's strategic shift towards Asia and the Pacific, perceived as an attempt to counter China's rising influence, was very much true.

 

However, Xi also pledged to peacefully resolve China's disputes over territory.

 

"China stays committed to seeking peaceful settlement of disputes with other countries over territorial sovereignty, and maritime rights and interests," he said. 

 

Xi stressed the importance of safeguarding the comprehensive security of the region, which means upholding security in both traditional and non-traditional fields.

 

Asia's security challenges are extremely complicated, which include both hotspot and sensitive issues and ethnic and religious problems, Xi said, adding that the challenges brought by terrorism, transnational crimes, environmental security, cyber security, energy and resource security and major natural disasters are clearly on the rise.

 

"We should take into full account the historical background and reality of Asia's security issues, adopt a multi-pronged and holistic approach, and enhance regional

security governance in a coordinated way.

 

"While tackling the immediate security challenges facing the region, we should also make plans for addressing potential security threats, and avoid a fragmented and palliative approach that only treats the symptoms," he said.

 

Referring to a "new Asian security concept", Xi said that for most Asian countries, development means the greatest security and the master key to regional security issues.

 

The lesser-known CICA, whose 24 member nations also include South Korea, Thailand and Turkey, should become a "security dialogue and cooperation platform" and should

"establish a defence consultation mechanism," Xi said.

 

He said it should create a "security response centre" for major emergencies.

 

For a tree to grow tall, a strong and solid root is required; for a river to reach far, an unimpeded source is necessary, Xi said, citing a Chinese saying.

 

To build an Asian security mansion that could stand the test of wind storms, Xi said, "we need to focus on development, actively improve people's lives and narrow down 

the wealth gap so as to cement the foundation of security".

 

"We need to advance the process of common development and regional integration, foster sound interactions and synchronised progress of regional economic cooperation and security cooperation, and promote sustainable security through sustainable development," the president added.

 

He noted the need to focus on both development and security, saying development is the foundation of security and security constitutes the precondition for development.

 

The tree of peace does not grow on barren land while the fruit of development is not produced amidst flames of war, he said.

 

In an editorial yesterday, China's official Xinhua news agency urged countries from outside Asia not to raise tensions.

 

"Players from other parts of the world need to play a constructive role. They should refrain from starting fires and stoking flames," it said.