Malaysia's Strategy and Achievement in Interpreting and Applying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Li Jieyu

Abstract:Malaysia demonstrates strong pragmatic traits in interpreting and applying the UNCLOS, attaching great importance to the realization of jurisdiction in the exclusive economic zones and on the continental shelf,and it strives to increase its flexibility and subjectivity in maritime claims by escaping from the legal responsibility of publicizing territorial sea baseline.Malaysia has achieved certain marine disputes settlement favorably and witnessed predelimitation joint development,and the country has also materialized practical interests in natural resources exploration and exploitation. Malaysia insists on safeguarding jurisdiction in navigation safety and maritime security like other coastal and bordering countries of Malacca strait, resists any effort of internationalizing the strait,and cooperates with user countries of the strait in establishing and maintaining navigation aids.

Malaysia;the UNCLOS;continental shelf;joint development; Malacca Strait

About the Author:Li Jieyu,Department of Public Administration,the Party School of CPC Hainan Provincial Committee.

Relevant Structures and Influence Paths of BRICS on Sino-India Relations

Chen Jianyu

Abstract:As a multilateral mechanism after the 2008 economic crisis, BRICS aims to promote multilateral cooperation and establish new international economic order.Furthermore,BRICS exerts a critical influence on Sino-India relations.This paper examines the relevant structures and influence of BRICS on Sino-India relations in terms of the＂bilateral-multilateral＂and＂politicaleconomy＂.On the base of literature analysis,the paper touches on the collaborative mechanism of BRICS and Sino-India relations,and offers two influence paths on improving Sino-India relations with BRICS.

Key words:BRICS;Sino-India relation;multilateral diplomacy;bilateral relation

About the Author:Chen Jianyu,School of International Relations,Peking University.

Contrasting Quantitative Analysis on Political Risks in Central Asia and Middle East Countries

Su Chang

Abstract:ThispapertakespoliticalrisksinMiddleEastcountries as reference, intends to study those facing Central Asia countries currently, and predicts future developments by using quantitative and qualitative analysis.The focus of research is political risks in Central Asia from 2008 to 2015.With quantitative analysis,this paper holds that political risks in Central Asia countries are lower than those in Middle East countries, concerning especially such aspects as Islamic political influence, religion and nationalism, civil groups, issue of democracy,economic development and social contradiction and so forth.However, with respect to firm supreme leaderships in the regions,external influence and capability of state functionaries to maintain stability, Central Asia tends to be more susceptible to risks.With such comprehensive study,it is believed that there is less possibility for countries in Central Asia to experience turmoil in the future.Regarding the fact that there now exist some similarities between Central Asia and Middle East countries,the author of the paper thinks that chances for change remain.

Key words:Central Asia; Middle East; quantitative analysis; risk evaluation;political risk

About the Author:Su Chang,Institute of Russian,Eastern European and Central Asian Studies,Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

EmergingChangesinMiddleEastandtheEvolutionofRegionalConfiguration

Ding Gong

Abstract:The intensification of conflict and war continues in Middle East in 2016. Syria and Iraq remain the hot spot of international concern through media,Yemen suffers the crisis of instability and lack of security,relationship of Russia and Turkey is further deteriorated.The unstable security situation in Middle East is now conducive to the regional political evolution.With Egypt difficult to regain its former influence in the region and Saudi Arab rises rapidly, the political map of the Arab world is becoming more and more fragmented. Besides, the Turkey issue of national concern, Iran's strategic choice of taking up the＂offensive＂positioning,Israel's relative marginalization and other issues have all prompted new geopolitical balance of power distribution.Externally,the United State remains the powerful core concerning the ultimate decision-making of the region, Europe is forced to give up its major role,and Russia is now back to its strategy in the former region.The strategicconfiguration and structural reorganization in Middle East will profoundly influence the power relationship and international order.The up and down of outside forces may also change the pattern and trend of development in Middle East significantly.

Key words:Syria Civil War;Kurdistan;regional situation;situation of Turkey;West Asia and North Africa

About the Author:Ding Gong,Research Institute of Asia-Pacific and Global Strategy,CASS.

China-EU Cooperation on Climate Change Research

Zhang Zichu,Zheng Laxiang

Abstract:China and the EU collectively map out strategic planning on global climate change cooperation through China-EU Summits,promote policy dialogue and information communication by setting up climate change dialogue mechanism of ministerial level and senior officials'consultation mechanism. They carry out projects in addressing global climate change through multiple channels,communicate and negotiate with each other on international climate efforts.The EU is now in pursuit of leadership in global climate governance while carrying out climate diplomacy with China.Cooperation between China and the EU as well as its member states can speed up the structural transformation and upgrading of China's economy.It is also favorable for China to participate in global climate governance. Setting up climate change partnership can help to enhance China-EU mutual strategic trust.The two sides shall further enhance cooperation and tackle challenges of climate change collaboratively. Their cooperation will help to construct global governance system of climate change.

Key words:China-EU relation;climate change; cooperation; global climate governance

About the Authors:Zhang Zichu,Center for European Studies,Research Institute of International Strategy, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies; Zheng Laxiang,Law School,GDUFS and Center for Integrated Innovation of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

Central and Marginal Regions of Middle East and China's Diplomatic Policy

Min Jie

Abstract:The region of Middle East has an endogenous link mechanism, and historically formed central and marginal regions. Since entering moderntimes,the territory of Middle East along with its Islamic political systems has reduced,while the framework of Islamic civilization has well taken shape.After World War II,the countries in the central region,such as Egypt,Saudi Arabia, Iraq,Iran have tried to reshape the territory of the Middle East,but their efforts and abilities are checked by Middle East policy of the United States and former Soviet Union.With the ending of cold war,some were to hold up the banner of Islam,and tried to revolutionize the whole Middle East through violent means and showed negative constraints in the central region. After 2010, the close interaction between marginal region and central region has intensified the chaos in Middle East, and the problem of refugees from the regions has caused the alert of some European countries.As a response,China can benefit from the interaction of central region and marginal region to promote the strategy of＂the Belt and the Road＂,develop the China-Pakistan economic corridor as the pivot of China's policy in the changing situation in Middle East,expand diplomatic capability,including the reach of India Ocean.

Key words:Middle East geopolitical plate;central Region;marginal region; China's diplomacy

About the Author:Min Jie,Institute of Middle East Studies,Shanghai International Studies University.

Summary Report on the China（Guangdong） International Think Tank Forum of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road

Abstract:The China（Guangdong）International Think Tank Forum of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road was held in Guangzhou from 10th to 11th of May,2016.This was the first Maritime Silk Road Think Tank Forum held in China.Foregrounding the theme of＂Mutual Consultation and Trust, Mutual Assistance and Win-win Cooperation＂,the Guangzhou Declaration was issued during the forum. Furthermore, the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road International Think Tank Network was also established.At the forum,over 200 think tank experts, scholars and government officials from about 20 countries gathered together to discuss about the promotion of strategic mutual trust, expansion of economic and trade cooperation as well as humanities exchange between China and the countries on the 21st-century maritime Silk Road in order that the marine collaboration among the countries concerned can be achieved.

Key words:the 21st-century maritime Silk Road;think tank forum;mutual consultation and trust;mutual effort and win-win cooperation