DEFENCE officials, experts and scholars from Asia-Pacific countries are gathering in Singapore to discuss and reflect on how to build lasting security in East Asia.

At a larger level, this dialogue has helped China to explore with Asean countries a new approach to security, at the heart of which are equality and cooperation. That is why it can be called cooperative security.

The core value of cooperative security can be defined as security for all. Remember, a region can only feel as secure as its most insecure member. A good example would be the Korean Peninsula.

Out of fear for its security, the weaker party would be prone to radical actions, which would be more extreme when met by containment or sanctions. Any resolution to the situation therefore cannot rest on isolation or exclusion. It cannot buttress the absolute security of one at the expense of the absolute insecurity of another. Security in Asia should mean security for all Asian countries.

The foundation for cooperative security would be development and prosperity. East Asian countries have firsthand experience in the past 60 years of how armament and bloc politics have all failed to secure lasting peace. It was only with the end of the Cold War, particularly the war in Cambodia, that East Asian countries were able to concentrate on economic development, which has in turn strengthened regional stability.

Cooperative security cannot be achieved in turmoil and conflict. Compare East Asia with other regions in the world, and we can justly be proud of our achievement. We should also learn to cherish this progress.

Achieving cooperative security requires the efforts of all countries. Asia has built a solid track record of resolving or containing disputes in the past 20 years. What we should do is to grasp every opportunity to reach out for Asian solutions to Asian problems by working together.

How China-United States relations evolve has a major impact on East Asian security. The two countries should have more dialogue and closer cooperation and refrain from taking actions that put the other side in a difficult position. This would help to create a comfortable, rather than awkward, situation for countries in the region.

Cooperative security is being borne out in China-Asean relations. This is based on the understanding that security should be inclusive and mutual. Hegemony in whatever form is not welcome. Security should be comprehensive, including economic security and non-conventional security. The means to achieve security should also be comprehensive.

Under cooperative security, countries strengthen their security through win-win cooperation. Big countries should not bully small countries, nor should small countries provoke.

China believes Asean should remain in the driver's seat. We are committed to the principle of consensus, gradual progress and accommodating the comfort level of all parties.

China is a firm believer and practitioner of cooperative security. We believe in keeping our own house in order and not causing any troubles for others. We have not only been able to provide for 1.3 billion people but also create a leading export market and jobs and growth for our neighbours.

China is committed to fostering partnership with all countries. We don't believe in making enemies, alliances or targeting third parties. We faithfully fulfil our international role and obligations. We also signed up to the declaration of conduct of parties in the South China Sea for peace and stability in the region.

China's security objectives in the Asia-Pacific are: China's own stability and prosperity; peace and stability in the neighbouring areas; and dialogue and cooperation with other Asia-Pacific countries. This was proposed in the first meeting of the Asean Regional Forum in 1994 and has remained true till today.

As a major developing country, China faces complex security challenges. It is only natural that China should seek to strengthen its defensive capabilities. A China confident in its ability to defend itself is conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

The sea lanes in the South China Sea are key transport routes for China. Safeguarding the freedom and security of the sea lanes is a priority and common responsibility for China and other littoral states. No interest would be served by linking territorial issues with freedom of navigation. Territorial issues could only be solved by relevant countries through active pursuit of dialogue and continuous enhancement of mutual trust, which should by no means affect further development of their cooperative relations.

Huangyan Island has always belonged to China. It is not even included in the Philippine territory on the latest official map published by the Philippines. The 21st century should not be a time to proclaim new territory. If such new acts of territorial encroachment were condoned, the result would be chaotic. However, China still expects to solve disputes with the Philippines through consultation and is making endeavours to this end.

China sees Asean countries as its strategic partners, bound together not just by geography but also by cultural affinity and a common aspiration for Asian renewal. We must join hands in working towards security for all through cooperation. We owe it to our children.

The writer is Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.