“North-East Asia (China, North and South Korea, Japan, Mongolia): Regional Asymmetries, Challenges and Security Resources'Section”

The section “North-East Asia (China, North and South Korea, Japan, Mongolia): Regional Asymmetries, Challenges and Security Resources” was moderated by Prof. S.G. Luzyanin (HSE University) and took place within the framework of the study of Russia's East Asian pivot, the specifics of China's rise in the region and the world, and Korean, Japanese, and Mongolian regional issues. Twelve speakers, representing HSE University, MGIMO University of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, focused on the key issues of the conference agenda – the reaction of the World's majority in new realities. The section's task was to shed light on the specifics of country and regional processes, large infrastructure projects (the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Tumangan, etc.) in Northeast Asia, using examples from China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia.

It is important that the overall high level of discussion was set by leading scholars, specialists in East Asian topics. Ambassador at Large, Head of the Department of Diplomacy at MGIMO University, Prof. K.M. Barsky noted the natural character of Russia's increased attention to like-minded countries in Asia and the Global East, the inevitability of further deepening of Russia's Eurasian policy, the intensification of multi-vector approaches towards medium and small states, and the promotion of large infrastructure projects by China, including the successful Beijing project “One Belt, One Road”.

Head of the Department of Oriental Studies at MGIMO University, Prof. D.V. Streltsov analyzed the applicability of the “Cold War” experience during the bipolar world order in the current situation in Asia, noting that the main actors of the confrontation are now the United States and China, and the ideological field of confrontation has given way to economic and technological rivalry. Another leading expert, Head of the School of Oriental Studies at HSE University, Prof. A.N. Karneev, specified the issue of modernization and development using the example of China, including discussions within the academic community about the relationship between the Western (American) and Chinese (party-ideological) aspects in the contemporary model of the People's Republic of China.

The Korean issue was successfully and thoroughly covered in the presentation by Prof. P.S. Leshakov (HSE University), who managed to distinguish the Russian-Chinese component in the multilateral, transport-infrastructure Tumangan project, showing not only the regional specificity but also the opportunities and obstacles to its implementation.

Among the group of leading, experienced speakers, the presentation by Associate Prof. S.V. Shaposhnikov (HSE University) stood out, focusing on demographic challenges and business issues in Japan, as well as Associate Prof. N.Yu. Senyuk (HSE University), who analyzed new trends in Chinese investments in the Russian economy. The expert rightly noted that despite their limited diversification across industries, Chinese companies are actively investing in real estate and priority projects in Russia. The main role in this process is played by Chinese state-owned corporations, which remain key to the successful expansion of their business in the Russian Federation.

The second group of speakers was represented by young experts and lecturers – A.S. Pyatachkova (HSE University), I.S. Kozylov (HSE University), Yu.N. Alekseeva (HSE University), Chinese PhD candidate Song Zhihao (Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences), B.Kh. Kushkhov (Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences), and A.E. Kazantsev (HSE University).

The issues discussed by this group of speakers were organically connected to the overall theme of the section. In particular, they thoroughly studied the key parameters of Chinese discussions on foreign policy concepts, including theoretical and applied aspects (A.S. Pyatachkova), new approaches of Chinese researchers in assessing the Sino-Soviet split, the inevitability or possibility of its conservation at the initial stage, the role of I.V. Stalin, N.S. Khrushchev, and Mao Zedong (I.S. Kozylov).

An important presentation in terms of contemporary relevance and scientific significance was made by Yu.N. Alekseeva about Chinese policy in the Middle East, particularly the specifics of attracting and implementing projects through the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. The expert focused on analyzing China's partnership with Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, which are becoming key investment partners for China in this region.

The Chinese PhD candidate Song Zhihao dedicated his presentation to the issue of China's adaptation to global changes and the PRC's experience in addressing traditional ideological-political concepts, including the evolution of Chinese foreign policy over the last 30 years and the influence of Confucianism, Daoism, and other traditional schools.

PhD candidates B.Kh. Kushkhov (Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences) and A.E. Kazantsev (HSE University), building on a historical foundation, also addressed contemporary regional topics. In the first case (B.Kh. Kushkhov), key processes of interaction within the “Russia-Mongolia-China” triangle were analyzed in detail, including economic, transport, and hydrocarbon (energy) parameters. In the second case (A.E. Kazantsev), it was convincingly shown how China skillfully uses historical politics, especially in the context of Sino-Japanese relations, including the formation of the image of the victorious nation in the war against Japanese invaders and its projection onto the realization of the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the nation.

Following the presentations, a discussion session was held, which included questions and answers and debate on the most pressing issues related to the specifics of modernization, international relations, and security in Northeast Asia. The main objectives set by the moderator, Prof. S.G. Luzyanin, were achieved both within the presentations made by the key speakers and during the discussion involving all participants. In total, apart from the 12 speakers, 35 individuals participated in the section's work, representing 70% from HSE University, 30% from MGIMO, Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and other organizations and research centers from Russia and China. Organizationally and substantively, the work of the section “North-East Asia (China, North and South Korea, Japan, Mongolia): Regional Asymmetries, Challenges and Security Resources” can be assessed as being conducted at a high level, generating significant interest and strengthening the weight and authority of the School of Regional Studies, and the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University.