Session: Plenary Session 3 / Regency Room
Date/Time: April 23, 2014 / 09:00-10:15

Moderator:
David Sanger, The New York Times

Speakers:
Kim Sung-han, Korea University
Soeya Yoshihide, Keio University
James Steinberg, Syracuse University
Yao Yunzhu, Academy of Military Science, PLA

Panel Description
East Asia is in the midst of a profound transformation. The rise of China as an economic powerhouse has been a boon for the entire region. On the other hand, the rise of China as the region’s dominant strategic actor has raised tensions in the region, particularly in light of its territorial disputes with neighboring countries. As the region’s offshore balancer for the past half-century, the United States is also positioning itself for a “rebalance” to Asia in support of its allies and partners. Caught in between these East Asian tectonic power shifts are states spanning the entire length of Asia from South Korea in the north to Australia in the south. How are these countries engaging and responding to these strategic changes? With lingering flashpoints on the Korean peninsula and Taiwan Straits, growing maritime tensions, and a rapidly escalating arms race, can East Asia’s power transitions be managed?