Research for International Security

In June 2008, in Shanghai, CNA China Studies held a joint conference with the Center for American Studies, Fudan University, on the current status and future prospects of the U.S.-China bilateral economic relationship. Conferees included academics, policy-makers, and practitioners from both the U.S. and China. Report captures six key themes discussed at the conference, including the increasing complexity of the bilateral economic relationship; the role that public perception in both countries plays in shaping the relationship; the misunderstandings that each country has of the other’s intentions; ongoing debates about the bilateral trade imbalance and revaluation of the Chinese renminbi; the purpose and prospects of the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED); and the importance of clarifying both countries’ economic priorities and goals.

On July 2, 2008, CNA participated in the Gulf Naval Commanders conference at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The conference brought together military leaders in the region to discuss maritime security challenges in the Arabian Gulf. It was organized by the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA), and was under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The conference featured high-ranking officers from Arabian Gulf countries and coalition partners. The audience comprised Arab and coalition navy, coast guard, and marine personnel, as well as think tank and private industry professionals.