Having concluded the fourth summit on Confidence Building in Asia, CICA will play an increasingly important role in promoting peace, development and cooperation in Asia, writes Wu Zurong.

Beijing’s recent warning that Pyongyang not conduct another nuclear test will likely prove as ineffectual as previous warnings, writes Ted Galen Carpenter. Without huge incentives, which Washington has yet to offer, Beijing is unwilling to employ harsh measures to ensure North Korean compliance due to the risks entailed in such a drastic policy change.

The two high-profile visits of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Africa clearly depict an upgrade in China’s ties with the continent. As He Wenping explains, China’s foreign policy will focus more on “contribution” and “responsibility” while working to enhance global cooperation.

Bilateral relations between China and Japan have grown increasingly dangerous as tensions rise over the disputed Diaoyu Islands and the Yasukuni Shrine. The two countries must restore trust and consider the long-term political, economic and environmental consequences of their actions.

To remain relevant, Asia’s institutions must change in line with a changing Asia.

How can United States’ allies have confidence in its security commitments, while it is in decline? One way is to constantly stress that it has the ability and willingness to fulfill its obligations, writes Chen Jimin.

Li Shaoxian writes that three decades after the inaugural Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the forum now has 24 member states with 13 observers and serves as Asia’s voice on major regional and international issues.

In order for the United States to continue to play a role in the Asia-Pacific, it must listen to the desires and grievances of other Asian. This can be done by becoming an active listener at the upcoming CICA Summit and adjusting US policies according to the desires of Asian nations.

Examining the development of China’s non-interference policy since the mid-1990s, David Shinn explains that increased trade with African countries and more Chinese nationals living on the continent has allowed China’s interpretation of sovereignty and policy of intervention in conflict situations to evolve.

Chen Jimin reflects on Li Keqiang’s visit of four African nations and explores the significance of Africa’s renaissance and China’s rise, which will continue to provide growth and development if Sino-African relations are upgraded and strategic opportunities are seized.