On 12th June, China-Southeast Asia Research Center on the South China Sea (CSARC) held an online roundtable themed the “Crisis Aversion: Risk Management in the South China Sea” in collaboration with NISCSS and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia. More than 20 scholars and experts from the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Malaysia), Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Nanjing University and Peking University. In-depth discussions were held on topics of “Latest Developments in the South China Sea amid COVID-19”and “Risk Management and Future Cooperation in the South China Sea”. During the roundtable, experts were engaged in some conversations on issues such as China - Philippines Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM), the United States' military presence in the South China Sea, Code of Conduct (COC) Consultations and regional economic cooperation.

NISCSS President and CSARC Chairman of the Board Dr. Wu Shicun, along with CSIS Vice Chairman of the Board and CSARC Vice Chairman of the Board Mr. Jusuf Wanandi delivered welcome remarks at the opening ceremony. Dr. Wu pointed out that, the extra-regional countries led by the United States have strengthened military presence in the South China Sea since 2020. At the same time, unilateral actions of various claimant states have been intensified, which would hinder future cooperation among the relevant littoral states, and the South China Sea situation could be headed down a rocky path. More confidence-building measures and joint efforts between China and ASEAN countries will be the key to avoiding future risks and producing long-term regional peace and stability.

The CSARC is a non-profit, nongovernment international organization, dedicated to enhancing exchanges and cooperation among think tanks of China and ASEAN countries, as well as its partners and supporting parties, on issues of the South China Sea. It aims to promote joint research on solutions to regional issues of the South China Sea in various fields, such as traditional and non-traditional security, marine environmental protection, marine scientific research, safety of navigation and communication at sea, joint development and management of natural resources, as well as crisis prevention and management.