Session: Concurrent Session 2-1
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Location: Grand Ballroom I+II

Moderator:
Victor Cha, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Speakers:
Kim Sung-han, Korea University
Andrey Kortunov, Former Academic Director,
Russian International Affairs Council
Nakabayashi Mieko, Waseda University
Sheila Smith, Council on Foreign Relations
Su Hao, China Foreign Affairs University

Panel Description

Competing visions of order are colliding in Northeast Asia. With the exception of North Korea, the region successfully built the world’s most dynamic trade bloc in the post-Cold War decades. This was made possible by setting aside differences. That era is passing as U.S.-China strategic competition once again divides the region. The China-Russia-North Korea axis is strengthening through the China-Russia ‘no limits partnership’ and the revived Russia-North Korea alliance. In response, ROK-U.S.-Japan security cooperation is accelerating. What is a desirable future for Northeast Asia? What are the visions and measures for peace and prosperity? What does Northeast Asia want?