A two-day XIII Asian conference of the Valdai Club is being held in St. Petersburg on the topic: “Russia and Asia in the context of the formation of a new international order.”
On the opening day, such topics as:
Dynamics of Asia’s development in the context of the restructuring of the international order
The future of energy and food markets
The potential of free trade agreements in Asia and Russia’s participation
On December 14, the event will raise questions about the international connectivity of transport, logistics and financial systems and the prospects for reducing conflicts in Asia.
The opening of the XIII Asian Conference was held by Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board of the Valdai Club Foundation and Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
At the first session, “The dynamics of Asia’s development in the context of the restructuring of the international order”, the floor was taken:
Fyodor Lukyanov, Scientific Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club
“Domestic policy has become a mandatory basis for any foreign policy activity, and vice versa – the external environment has such a strong influence on any activity of states that it is impossible not to take it into account.”
Pankaj Jha, Director of the Center for Security Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University.
“We need a new, more rational narrative, since the Western one is rejected in Asia by many states.”
“Asia should invest in all spheres of life: education and science are the future.”
Victoria Panova, Vice-Rector of the Higher School of Economics, Fedor Lukyanov, Director of Scientific Work of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
“The position of Asian countries is formed based not on subordination to the West, but on their own national interests.”
Ti Lan-An Nguyen, Director General of the South China Sea Institute at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
“After the end of the cold war, the point of balance shifted: there is a free interpretation of international law in the interests of certain states and a policy of double standards.”
Yana Leksyutina, Professor of the Department of American Studies, Faculty of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University.
“There is a large pro-American anti-Chinese bloc in the Asia-Pacific region: these are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, most likely, South Korea may join them soon.”
“So far, most of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region are guided by an independent policy in their national interests.”
At the second session of the XIII Asian Conference “The Future of Energy and Food Markets”, the following speakers:
Ram Madhav Varanasi, Founding Member of the Board of the India Foundation.
“Russia is the energy capital of the world.”
“The world is facing difficulties in creating a new supply chain that would ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals.”
Shamil Yenikeev, Professor of the HSE Department of International Relations.
“We are witnessing an attempt to replay the situation in the energy sector and create a cartel of buyers who will dictate their price conditions.”
“If this experience is successful, it will spread to other areas.”
Chen Zhigang, Senior Advisor, Chunyang Institute of Financial Studies, People’s University of China.
“Russian food potential: 130 million hectares of arable land and 40 percent of the world’s chernozem resources.”
“Russia needs to engage in attracting investments, as it has the resources.”
A video recording of the conference is available at the link.
