China - Bilateral Cooperation on Security and Military Studies

In recognition of the swift rise of Asian global power - particularly China's - and its potentially dramatic consequences for the rest of the world, Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS) regards the development of high-quality research in Asian/Ch inese security and military matters as a key strategic objective. The long-term goal for the institute is to establish a Centre for Asian Studies. The institute has already established partnerships in the UK and in the USA in order to strengthen the effor ts to develop high quality research on Asian/Chinese security and military matters. The main objective of the present cooperation project is to develop joint research projects with a Chinese partner. Measures/activities include: 1) A visit to Beijing to initiate/explore cooperation with a Chinese institution and to participate in workshops 2) Hosting of a Chinese delegation visit to Oslo 3) Two seminars to be held in Norway 4) An article as a follow-up of one of the seminars 5) Project proposals for the further advancement of research in Chinese security and military issues. The major topics to be explored are: 1) The changing balance of power in the region and the perceptions and strategies of the major powers, especially China 2) How various trends, p erceptions, and strategies in the region create new strategic challenges for the Western World, NATO and Norway in particular 3) Military trends in China, including the present modernization efforts, doctrines and capabilities. In addition to traditional security issues, topics include areas in which China potentially can play a central role: 1) Transnational terrorism 2) Maritime security and security implications of disputes and competition over energy and natural resources 3) China's "soft power" and the constraints on China as a great power. One important goal of the project is to develop new knowledge and a better understanding of Asian/Chinese security and military matters in Norway.