The two keynote speakers were Chairman of the East Asia Institute of the National University of Singapore, Professor Wang Gungwu, and former Foreign Minister of Australia, and Professor of the Australia-China Relations Institute, Bob Carr spoke in front of a crowd of about 160 people.
Professor Wang gave a deep historical analysis of the two superpowers, focusing on the two countries’ leaders at pivotal times. He reminded delegates that both China and the US are products of two ancient civilisations with ideas and values that date back millennia.
“China admires and seeks to emulate Europe. It wants to build a nation state and revive old traditions. In the United States of America, President Obama is using a modern state to build alliances. I hope both countries temper their approaches. There is a natural aggressiveness of nation states in asserting national interests. Nationhood is the enemy of civilising ideals that most people have.”
China Ambassador Wang Lutong and USA Ambassador Mark Gilbert said that both superpowers were seeking a cooperative relationship and were working together on climate change and cyber security initiatives.
Professor Bob Carr gave an insight into the Australian Government’s changing response to China’s island-building in the South China Sea. He showed how the government’s initial strong opposition to the occupation and building had become more cautious after a public opinion poll and lobbying by business interests.
The conference provided an opportunity for delegates to learn of perspectives of other countries in the Asia-Pacific region including Vietnam, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and India.
Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, Professor Bo Zhiyue said the conference provided a great opportunity for scholars and practitioners to engage in a dialogue on the most important bilateral relationship and its implications for the region and the world.
“It also offered a chance for the New Zealand audience to listen and learn about the most recent development of China-US relations.”
A book of presentations made at the conference is under production. To register your interest, email: chinacentre@vuw.ac.nz