摘要：On August 27, as part of the Kuala Lumpur Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation, the Boao Forum for Asia convened a sess
——Special Report III of the Kuala Lumpur Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation of the Boao Forum for Asia
On August 27, as part of the Kuala Lumpur Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation, the Boao Forum for Asia convened a session on Revitalizing the Bandung Spirit for Stronger Solidarity and Cooperation. The session was chaired by Marty Natalegawa, Former Foreign Minister of Indonesia. Representatives from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, New Zealand, Türkiye and relevant international organizations shared their insights on how to carry forward the Bandung Spirit, respond to changes of the times, and promote solidarity and cooperation in the region.
The Bandung Spirit demonstrated its enduring relevance against the backdrop of profound transformations in today's world
Participants generally agreed that amid the current complex international landscape marked by resurgent unilateralism and protectionism, the Bandung Spirit, born 70 years ago, has taken on even greater significance. They noted that the global economic order is being disrupted by unilateral actions, geopolitical conflicts are simmering, and multilateral cooperation mechanisms are under strain. The international community urgently needs to draw strength from the Bandung Spirit—the spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation—to break the current impasse.
Zhang Jun, Secretary General of the Boao Forum for Asia, noted that seven decades after the Bandung Conference, Asia once again stands before a complex and challenging international situation. Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, geopolitical tensions flare more often, multilateralism and free trade are under real strain, the international community has again come to a critical crossroads. In face of these new realities and challenges, it is timely and essential for Asian countries to uphold and carry forward the Bandung Spirit.
Surakiart Sathirathai, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand said, the Bandung Conference planted the seeds of the Non-Aligned Movement and sparked a wave of South South cooperation. It remains a moment of civilizational confidence today as we navigate a world of multipolarity and contested norms.
Marty Natalegawa said that the Bandung Conference helped unleash the force for independence for the liberation of countries previously under colonial rule. It gave birth to the idea of non alignment in the sense to reinforce the point that for many countries, there is a choice apart from being involved in one of the so-called major powers rivalry at the time, which was the Cold War. It also introduced to global discourse such as the pursuit of a greater and equitable international system. The Bandung Spirit remains relevant because all those topics or themes that I mentioned before unfortunately remain an incomplete agenda even today.
Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly and Former Minister of European Union Affairs of Türkiye said, as we today face a world once again fraught with division, geopolitical tension and uncertainty, I think the Bandung Spirit is not a relic of the past, it is a vital compass for our future.
Adhere to independence and firmly hold Asia’s destiny in its own hands
Many participants agreed that Asian countries must uphold the principle of strategic autonomy, forge and project a collective voice in international affairs, and resolutely avoid becoming casualties of rivalry among major powers. They noted that the collective rise of the Global South marks a new phase where developing countries, after achieving political independence, are progressively moving toward economic independence. This process hinges on close solidarity and cooperation among nations to resist undue interference from external forces.
Zhang Jun noted that the collective rise of the Global South shows that developing countries are moving beyond political independence to economic independence as well. In many ways, this represents a new wave of decolonization. We are all in the same boat, so we must chart the course together, in the right direction. That means recognizing Asia as a community with a shared future and working together to build a better tomorrow.
Surakiart Sathirathai said that Asia must again become a zone not of alignment with one pole or another, but of imaginative diplomacy, where peace is pursued not through domination but through dialogue, and where diversity is embraced not as a threat but as a strength.
Shi Zhongjun, Secretary General of the ASEAN-China Centre said, countries in Asia and Africa, having been deeply scarred by war, are aware of the indispensable value of peace. We should unite and work hand in hand to safeguard the UN-centered international governance system, practice true multilateralism, and raise an unyielding voice against unilateralism and hegemony and power politics.
Deepen regional cooperation and committed to the common development of Asian countries
Panelists generally reached a consensus that regional economic integration is undoubtedly the central driving force for Asia’s sustained development. There is a need to fully unleash the immense potential of regional cooperation by enhancing coordination and synergy among regional cooperation mechanisms and leveraging innovation-driven growth. They emphasized the importance of building on existing regional cooperation frameworks, such as the RCEP, to vigorously advance deep supply chain integration, actively transition toward green development models, and establish a new pattern of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Zhang Jun stressed that Asian countries are now playing a leading role in shaping the global landscape. This is why we can look to Asia’s future with confidence. Asia needs to unlock more potential by expanding trade and investment within the region, and making full use of its economic scale, vast markets and strong supply chains. We should also bring regional frameworks such as RCEP, CPTPP and ASEAN+3 into greater synergy, so that they complement and reinforce one another. Looking ahead, we must also create new engines of growth by advancing technological innovation, accelerating green transition and embracing digital and intelligent economy. At the same time, it is important to strengthen capacity building, so that all countries can take part in regional and global cooperation and fully share the benefits.
Vansay Tavinyan, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Training Board of the Central Committee of Lao People's Revolutionary Party said, since its reforms began in 1986, Laos has attracted investments from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and other countries, significantly boosting its economic development. The China-Laos Railway is a prime example of this progress. Multilateralism, open cooperation, and sustainable development have not only brought prosperity to ASEAN but can also benefit the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Play an active role in contributing Asian strength to improving global governance
Speakers agreed that Asia should transition from being a passive recipient of global governance rules to a proactive rule maker, leveraging multilateral cooperation platforms to vigorously advance the reform and improvement of the global governance system. They pointed out that promoting United Nations reforms and enhancing the representation of developing countries in global governance are, in essence, a continuation and evolution of the Bandung Spirit in contemporary society. These efforts are crucial for building a more equitable, rational, and effective global governance system.
Zhang Jun said that at this critical juncture, Asian countries are called to assume a more active role. We must stand firm in defending multilateralism, work together to improve the global governance system, and uphold the authority of international law as well as the principles of fairness and justice. Asia is well positioned to put forward more Asian solutions. This is not only a responsibility entrusted to Asia by history, but also a pathway toward fostering a more favorable international environment for Asia’s development and prosperity.
Surakiart Sathirathai stressed that as global order evolves, Asia must not simply adapt to change, we must shape it. The Global South is no longer peripheral. It is central to the future of our planet. The Global South must play a leading role in addressing global challenges. We must move from being rule takers to rule makers.
Jenny Shipley, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand said that as an observer of Global South nations, I can sense a new dynamism emerging among developing countries. Global South countries are engaging in more and more confident dialogues among themselves, which is not about building blocs but rather enabling more countries to participate in global governance, particularly in areas such as climate change and digital connectivity.
Volkan Bozkir said that the United Nations, for all its imperfections, remains the world's most inclusive forum for dialogue and collective action. It is the embodiment of the multilateralism that the Bandung Conference envisioned. Rather than undermining it, we must strengthen its authority and effectiveness, reforming it to be more representative and responsive to the challenges of our time.
Chi Fulin, President of China Institute for Reform and Development said, Over the next two decades, the world will enter a new era of Asia. The Boao Forum for Asia carries a significant mission to play an even greater role in promoting dialogue and cooperation, contributing to the advancement of Asia-Pacific integration and common development in Asia.
Strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to deeply root friendship and mutual trust between countries in the connections between the peoples
Participants generally agreed that the fundamental force for maintaining and developing state-to-state relations stems from the people, and that political mutual trust is built upon mutual trust between peoples. Different civilizations and countries should enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges to promote mutual understanding and recognition among their populations, thereby solidifying political mutual trust through public support.
Volkan Bozkir noted that the delegates in Bandung came from vastly different cultures, religions and histories, yet they found common cause in an era where differences are often weaponized to create suspicion and conflict. We must recognize that no civilization is superior to another. Through cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and people-to-people ties, we can replace the rhetoric of a clash of civilizations with a powerful narrative of shared humanity and mutual arrangement.
Shi Zhongjun said that although the Bandung Conference brought together countries with different ideologies, Premier Zhou Enlai wisely called for "seeking common ground while shelving differences," which helped resolve many disagreements and enabled the participating parties to reach a consensus. Asia is home to a rich diversity of brilliant cultures, including Confucian culture, Buddhist civilization, Islamic civilization, and more. We can undoubtedly achieve harmonious coexistence amidst diversity through dialogue among different civilizations.
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On the same day, Secretary General of the Boao Forum for Asia Zhang Jun also hosted "the Working Luncheon on Navigating the Trade War", which was held behind closed doors, allowing for an in-depth exchange of views on relevant issues. Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia Ban Ki-moon, among others, participated in the discussion.
来源：博鳌亚洲论坛