Munich conference highlights networked security for future
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The annual Munich Security Conference closed Sunday after intensive talks on a rising Asia, Iran's nuclear program and reform of the West's security institutions.
The pursuit of "networked security" was clearly seen at the conference, as the West sought more integrated security institutions and wider international cooperation to cope with global threats, and tried to solve disputes over Iran's nuclear program through joint international efforts.
Voice of China
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi delivered an opening speech at the high-level political forum. It was the first appearance of a Chinese foreign minister in the conference's 46-year history.
Yang answered two main questions asked by many Western countries: How will an ever developing China interact with the rest of the world? What role will China play on the international stage?
Yang said that while focusing on its own peaceful development, China is undertaking more international responsibilities in a transforming and closely-linked world.
It is a strategic choice that China has made to "seek a peaceful international environment to develop ourselves and at the same time contribute to the cause of world peace through our own development," Yang said.
"Our own interests and those of others are best served when we work together to expand common interests, share responsibilities and seek win-win outcomes," the minister said. "All of us should embrace a diverse world with an open mind."
Chairman of the Munich conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, told Xinhua that the West was very interested in hearing the speech of Yang, because "China is playing now an increasingly active role in almost all questions of global policy."
Eberhard Sandschneider, director of the Research Institute of the German Council on Foreign Relations, said the conference broke its transatlantic tradition to invite Yang.
"The Chinese self-confidence presented here is something new for many participants with transatlantic background," he told Xinhua. "China's importance has gained significantly, and we no longer live in a transatlantic but a global environment."
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