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Event | 28 February 2023

Changing perceptions of strategic risks in the Asia-Pacific and the impact on the non-proliferation regime

Asia-Pacific Region China Defence Diplomacy DPRK North Korea Security Global Security APLN ELN

The recent joint conference (6th-7th February 2023) on “Changing perceptions of strategic risks in the Asia-Pacific and the impact on the non-proliferation regime,” organised by the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN) and the European Leadership Network (ELN), brought together participants from Europe and Asia to discuss the strategic risks landscape in East Asia and its broader impact. The event was held under the Chatham House Rule.

The conference was attended by government officials, academics, and defence practitioners from Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the UK. Together they shared their perspectives on further steps to preserve global peace and stability.

The conference participants discussed several key points. Including the ongoing priority of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula, with South Korea evaluating new defensive options to counteract the nuclear threat from the DPRK. They also discussed Chinese behaviour in the South China Sea, the perceived unreliability of Western allies who are occupied with other pressing issues like the war in Ukraine, as well as the need to avoid further setbacks to the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Another main area of agreement was the need for cooperative measures between regional powers, such as promoting dialogue between all parties. This is deemed crucial in ensuring risk reduction in the region, but also in advancing cooperation in other non-sensitive issues, to avoid further exacerbation of conflict.

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