Power Transition in Asia: The Rise of China and implications for the region

Chinese troops stand in formation

The incredible rise of China and the security implications for Australia and the region will be discussed by international experts from across Asia, the United States and Europe at a conference at the University of Western Sydney Parramatta campus from Wednesday July 24.

The conference will critically examine the spectacular rise of China as an economic and military superpower, and explore the opportunities the shift of global power to the East offers middle powers such as Australia.

Conference Co-organiser and foreign policy specialist, Dr David Walton, from the UWS School of Humanities and Communication Arts, says the rise of China over the past decade has forced Australia and other countries in the region to review their priorities.

"The on-going power transition between the United States and China has global implications and is of immense importance for Australia's long-term wellbeing in the Asian Century," Dr Walton says.

UWS Japanese expert Dr Peter Mauch says it's not yet known how China's neighbours will respond to its rise.

"Will those responses fan the flames of unilateralism in China? What does all of this mean for Australia? It is these questions that the conference will address," he says.

A range of national and international experts with differing perspectives on what the rise of China means for the region will attend the conference.  Delegates include;

  • Professor Tsai Tung-Chieh, National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan

History clearly demonstrates that no hegemonic power can exist indefinitely, as they often suppress potential rivals through strategic containment or war. But if the development of an intensive arms race continues in the region, it may not be long before the US is challenged.

  • Dr Sukjoon Yoon, Sejong University, South Korea

South Korea must strike a delicate balance in calibrating its relations with Washington and Beijing. The new president, Park Geun-hye, is steering a more pragmatic course than her predecessor, but has a diplomatic challenge to help the Chinese repair their damaged relations with North Korea without upsetting the US.

In addition, the book, New Approaches to Human Security in the Asia-Pacific, will be launched at the conference.

Co-edited by Dr Walton, it offers a distinctly Asia-Pacific-oriented perspective to one of the most discussed components of international security policy, human security.

 Ends

22 July 2013

Contact: Mark Smith, Media Officer

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