Conflict prevention in the 21st century
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 4, 2016
4. Recommendations
The UK government should retain its aspiration to forge conflict prevention partnerships with China at strategic and operational levels where appropriate and feasible. Using the ongoing strategic dialogue and the recently renewed UK-China Development Partnership as platforms both Chinese and UK governments should proactively identify areas for cooperation on conflict prevention that can continue to build trust and mutual understanding on the issues. Consideration should be given to the following: •Introducing mechanisms for information exchange between Chinese and UK institutions responsible for analyzing conflict trends at the country level to facilitate more effective early warning and response, and to inform longer-term peace building and development efforts. They should also explore the potential for joint analysis on issues of common concern/interest such as radicalization, counter-terrorism, gender, peace and security, and conflict-sensitive engagement.
• Introducing mechanisms for greater information exchange and coordination between Chinese and UK institutions responsible for development cooperation at the country level to facilitate more joined-up upstream conflict prevention and development efforts. This dialogue could potentially be framed around implementation of Agenda 2030 and tailored to context.
• Jointly examining conflict implications of joint international initiatives discussed under the Economic and Financial Dialogue, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and reviewing safeguards within the AIIB in the context of that analysis.
• Working more closely together in supporting the AU to develop its capacity to undertake peace-support operations, and in other interventions to support peace and security in Africa.
• Examining closer cooperation in the area of UN peacekeeping, both in terms of building Africa's indigenous peacekeeping capacity and implementing a new vision for international peacekeeping that is less oriented towards military responses, and more people-centered. In particular, they should consider the potential for a greater civilian focus and civilian expertise in peace-support operations, placing the needs of local populations at the centre of peacekeeping operations, and making greater efforts to anticipate crises and protect civilians.
• Providing mechanisms to support the involvement of think tanks and academic institutions from China, the UK and conflict-affected regions and countries in wider'track two' dialogue around conflict prevention so as to increase joint analysis at the country level, widen mutual understanding, and expand possible entry points for formal cooperation.
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