Lee Young Ju, Director of South Korea's China Political, Economic and Cultural Academy, told the media that the "common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable" Asian security concept, proposed by Xi, fits with the times while meeting the common interests of countries in Asia. It reflects the Asian awareness, as it considers the demands of various countries in Asia and bears a practical significance for the settlement of hotspot issues in the region, including nuclear issues.

Observers noted that although one meeting or a new concept by itself cannot be the answer to all questions, the CICA Summit showed that Asian countries have the intention to seek consensus on Asian security with the release of a joint declaration.

"The effect of the CICA consensus cannot be immediate, but it is very possible that Asian countries will take quick action to jointly fight against terrorism," said Yang.

Observers said the new security concept for the continent would also be helpful in accelerating economic development, reducing the gap between the rich and the poor and making people prosperous and countries strong.

Qu of the CIIS noted that all parties have applauded the idea of creating lasting security through sustainable development, which President Xi stressed in his speech. The idea also provides a framework under which Asia can aspire to its revival based on economic prosperity, stability and cooperation.

Li of the SIIS claimed that the new security concept on Asia can provide opportunities for promoting regional economic cooperation.

Li said the theme of the CICA highly matches the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road strategies China recently raised. The two initiatives have become an important driving force for economic cooperation among CICA members.

Assuming a larger role

The Shanghai summit is the first CICA leaders' meeting China has held. Analysts claimed that the event hints that China is ushering in a new stage of diplomacy.

"China has successfully hosted several large international forums on the economy before, but never such a large-scale security forum, which doesn't match China's position as the world's second largest economy," said Li.

Li added that as the largest regional economic power in Asia, China's actions should match its new status, including assuming larger responsibility for promoting regional security and development.

Yang of the CASS said that the final declaration reached at the CICA Summit shows that the event has been successful.

The CICA has provided an important opportunity for China to promote multilateral diplomacy at home, Yang added.

In addition to the CICA Summit, China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November in Beijing.

Yang said, "We have noticed the new changes of China's diplomacy. Under the new generation of leadership, China is becoming more active diplomatically and is more willing to increase its voice on the world stage."

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Highlights of the Shanghai Declaration

In a declaration issued on May 21 following the two-day CICA Summit in Shanghai, CICA members:

- acknowledged that they share common interests and security concerns, agreeing that no country can stay immune in the face of security problems

- reiterated the collective desire of all countries to carry forward the spirit of solidarity, cooperation and mutual assistance, respect each other's sovereignty, and seek common development and progress

- pledged that no state should strengthen its security at the expense of other states' security, emphasizing that no state, group of states or organization can have pre-eminent responsibility for maintaining peace and stability

- resolved to respect each other's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as the inviolability of internationally recognized borders, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state in any manner inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter

- agreed to uphold the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, and not to interfere in the internal affairs of states, rejecting the use of double standards in international affairs

- vowed to advance extensive dialogues across cultures, civilizations and faiths, as well as to promote regional connectivity through people-to-people contacts

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)

CICA Roster

Member states: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam

Observer states: Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Ukraine and the United States

Observer organizations: UN, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, League of Arab States and Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic Speaking Countries

(Source: www.s-cica.org)