The continent of Asia taken together with the Russian Federation accounts for nearly two-thirds of the world’s population. The security of the region has to be examined with particular reference to the three huge states — China, India and the Russian Federation with their long running security concerns which have a direct bearing upon its security as a whole. On the other hand problems of security of the region become more complex as its land mass extends from Asia Minor bordering the Mediterranean in the West to the Bering Sea in the East. Security concerns of all countries whether big or small also cumulatively affect the security situation of the entire region. The most acute flash points that are likely to endanger peace in the world are also located in Asia.

Security concerns of states in the region which have regional ramifications are related either directly or indirectly to one or more of the following:

a. internal problems of states which are sought to be internationalized,

b. bilateral problems in regard to which there is external involvement,

c. direct intervention of external forces under cover of fighting “terrorism” or for the establishment of “democracy” or to eliminate a perceived security threat to a country,

d. intervention in the affairs of a state by another state allegedly in pursuance of its economic “interests” whether overtly expressed or not,

e. acts or interventions in furtherance of the aspiration of the world’s sole super power — the United States to dominate.

Sri Lanka is an example of a country where its internal problem of ending the civil war connected with the ethnic problem is exploited by some powers to make it gradually internationalized. There is concern that some powers may use the unfortunate situation in the country to upset the delicate balance in the interstate affairs that prevails in South Asia. Such a development would not only further complicate our internal problem but will also aggravate the security situation in the sub-region.

It is observed that there is external interference in the internal affairs of China. Fissiparous tendencies in Taiwan are promoted to the extent of encouraging its separation from the mainland with political, military and economic support. Consequently a tense situation is created in the area at a time when the Chinese government is attempting to integrate the province under the national government on the basis of autonomy in terms of the “two systems — one country” policy. Any further aggravation of the situation in this part of Asia is likely to affect peace and stability of this region and beyond.

There are a number of countries in Asia which have bilateral problems with their neighbours. The issue of sovereignty and control over Kashmir between India and Pakistan remains one of the most volatile problems that demand urgent steps to ease tension. The problem has been further compounded by the weighted policy of the United States to sustain the rivalry between these states to achieve its geo-political and military designs in the region.

It is discernible that there are attempts at undermining the positive steps now being taken by China and India to resolve their long-standing bilateral disputes inherited from colonial rule. However it is a matter for commendation that the two governments are proceeding ahead with great commitment to eliminate the barriers that stand in the way of establishing closer cooperation between them.

The Palestinian problem is one that seriously concerns both the Arab people in the Middle East as well as Muslims the world over. The solution of this problem demands a high commitment to multilateral cooperation under the auspices of the United Nations.

By the failure to find any WMD the invading countries have lost their credibility and stand exposed of their ulterior motives. In any event no country has the right to interfere in the affairs of another country however lofty the objective might be. It is the right of the people of that country to sort out their internal affairs. Today the internal situation in Iraq remains extremely volatile and the government placed in power by the interventionist forces is struggling desperately to establish its authority. The undeclared objective of the US led intervention in Iraq is to control the petroleum resources of that country.

The interference and attempts at interference in the internal affairs of several countries of this region has caused grave security concerns. Any change in these areas, if at all, can be brought about only through the natural social processes and not at the diktat of a foreign power. Meaningful steps towards nuclear disarmament could also be taken only through confidence building measures based on the commitment of nations to such a principle.

In the interests of regional security it is urgent that steps are taken to strengthen the different institutions of multilateral cooperation and their agencies both at the international as well as the regional levels. While the United Nations Organization should be strengthened to serve the cause of international security. All efforts should be made to use its framework for the resolution of international disputes.

Sub-regional inter-state organizations such as the ASEAN and SAARC also render an important contribution to the development of regional cooperation.

China could play even more decisive a role to enhance security and multilateral cooperation in the region. The weight and the prestige she enjoys as a leader of the developing countries gives it a preeminent position to carry forth these objectives.