Chinese Security Expert Warns of Threats Throughout the Globe
Jim Kouri, CPP
August 21, 2006
The FBI recently released their threat assessment for the future of the United States and the global community.
Most of these threats to our security stem from foreign groups whose activities are not limited by governmental or national boundaries. Some operate with the support or tolerance of a government; others do not. Some are organized groups with far-flung operations; others are independent actors. Other threats are posed by renegade nations such as North Korea and Iran, who are actively involved in the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
And the United States is still attempting to rebuild in locations hit by natual disasters, which must be part of any meaningful threat assessment.
The Chinese are also concerned about these same threats and a Chinese expert in international security warned of increased security threats saying China continues to pursue cooperation with other nations that pursue peaceful development.
In reviewing the international security situation in 2005, Xiong Guangkai, chairman of the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS), outlined security threats emerging around the world.
Xiong discussed security threats at the annual conference of his institute. He outlined three types of security threats: terrorism which is considered a non-traditional threat; nuclear proliferation which is a traditional threat to security; and natural security threats which are considered natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean tsunami, and a possible bird flu pandemic.
To deal with common challenges around the world, the international community must stand united in developing a strategic dialogue and multilateral consultations, Xiong told an audience of over a hundred retired generals, diplomats and experts.
"Terrorism has caused damage around the world including China," he said referring to the terror attacks in Jordan's capital Amman, London, Bali, Spain and other countries.
Three Chinese citizens were killed and one injured when terrorists exploded bombs at three hotels in Amman last November. The Chinese victims were members of a delegation from China's University of National Defense, who were staying at one of the hotels, according to Xinhua, a Chinese news service.
Xiong also noted that security around the globe was plagued by natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina which swept across Louisiana in the US in causing more than a thousand deaths and the devastating earthquake in Pakistan that killed more than 73,000 people and left 3 million homeless.
In the area of traditional security threats countries like the United States, Japan, Russia and India continue to increase defense spending and purchases of advanced weapons, said Xiong. Meanwhile, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korean (DPRK) continue to threaten the security of the world with their plans to build nuclear weapons, he added.
The talks aimed at resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula entered the fifth round of negotiations. However, no date has been set for the second phase of this round.
"Although the talks have made some progress, the DPRK and the United States remain far apart and the peace talks only plod along," Xiong said.
Setting aside their differences many countries have increased their cooperation in the security field in the past year, Xiong acknowledged.
The Chinese and US presidents have met five times in 2005, agreeing to combat terrorism, prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons and cooperate on reducing the threat from diseases. The two countries also held two strategic talks this year, said Xiong.
In cooperation with Russia, the two countries launched a consultation mechanism on national security and carried out close security coordination within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional organization which also includes Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Moreover, China and Europe have also shared anti-terrorism intelligence and training for security personnel, said Xiong.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, National Security Institute, Xinhua Chinese News Service
Most of these threats to our security stem from foreign groups whose activities are not limited by governmental or national boundaries. Some operate with the support or tolerance of a government; others do not. Some are organized groups with far-flung operations; others are independent actors. Other threats are posed by renegade nations such as North Korea and Iran, who are actively involved in the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
And the United States is still attempting to rebuild in locations hit by natual disasters, which must be part of any meaningful threat assessment.
The Chinese are also concerned about these same threats and a Chinese expert in international security warned of increased security threats saying China continues to pursue cooperation with other nations that pursue peaceful development.
In reviewing the international security situation in 2005, Xiong Guangkai, chairman of the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS), outlined security threats emerging around the world.
Xiong discussed security threats at the annual conference of his institute. He outlined three types of security threats: terrorism which is considered a non-traditional threat; nuclear proliferation which is a traditional threat to security; and natural security threats which are considered natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean tsunami, and a possible bird flu pandemic.
To deal with common challenges around the world, the international community must stand united in developing a strategic dialogue and multilateral consultations, Xiong told an audience of over a hundred retired generals, diplomats and experts.
"Terrorism has caused damage around the world including China," he said referring to the terror attacks in Jordan's capital Amman, London, Bali, Spain and other countries.
Three Chinese citizens were killed and one injured when terrorists exploded bombs at three hotels in Amman last November. The Chinese victims were members of a delegation from China's University of National Defense, who were staying at one of the hotels, according to Xinhua, a Chinese news service.
Xiong also noted that security around the globe was plagued by natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina which swept across Louisiana in the US in causing more than a thousand deaths and the devastating earthquake in Pakistan that killed more than 73,000 people and left 3 million homeless.
In the area of traditional security threats countries like the United States, Japan, Russia and India continue to increase defense spending and purchases of advanced weapons, said Xiong. Meanwhile, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korean (DPRK) continue to threaten the security of the world with their plans to build nuclear weapons, he added.
The talks aimed at resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula entered the fifth round of negotiations. However, no date has been set for the second phase of this round.
"Although the talks have made some progress, the DPRK and the United States remain far apart and the peace talks only plod along," Xiong said.
Setting aside their differences many countries have increased their cooperation in the security field in the past year, Xiong acknowledged.
The Chinese and US presidents have met five times in 2005, agreeing to combat terrorism, prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons and cooperate on reducing the threat from diseases. The two countries also held two strategic talks this year, said Xiong.
In cooperation with Russia, the two countries launched a consultation mechanism on national security and carried out close security coordination within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional organization which also includes Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Moreover, China and Europe have also shared anti-terrorism intelligence and training for security personnel, said Xiong.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, National Security Institute, Xinhua Chinese News Service
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