Session: Plenary Session I
Date/Time: April 23, 2019 / 10:30-12:00

Moderator:
Choi Kang, The Asan Institute for Policy Studies

Speakers:
Evelyn Goh, The Australian National University
Douglas H. Paal, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
James B. Steinberg, Syracuse University
Zhang Tuosheng, China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies; Sejong Institute
Zhao Xiaozhuo, Academy of Military Sciences, People’s Liberation Army

Panel Description
Strategic competition between the U.S. and China has intensified. As embodied in the Trump administration’s support for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific concept, U.S. strategy to counterbalance the rise of China has become more defined. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has raised concerns among neighboring countries about Beijing’s intentions. Is great power conflict inevitable? What should the two sides do to avoid the Thucydides Trap? Under what conditions can Washington and Beijing construct a peaceful relationship? What are the implications of U.S.-China strategic competition for international order? Will the American predominance persist? What should South Korea do in the era of strategic competition between its longstanding ally and predominant trading partner?