KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan has emerged as the most likely spot for a conflict between the United States and China in the near future, some experts say.
But Asean and Asian partners of the two superpowers can play a role in preventing such a conflict, they add.
These points were debated at the 36th Asia Pacific Roundtable hosted by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia today.
The session, 'China-US rivalry: A march towards conflict?', was moderated by Pengiran Datin Paduka Shazainah Pengiran Dato Paduka Shariffuddin.
There was a clear difference between the speakers from China and the United States.
The president and senior research fellow of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies said the chances of military conflict in the region could be reduced if Washington does not change its 'One China' policy.
"We (also) urge all parties to respect the 'One China' principle and peaceful reunification... when this happens, tensions will ease," Professor Chen Dongxiao said in the question-and-answer session.
He said talking about war is unwise. Scholars and officials in Beijing are concerned about the tendency to accept the Western narrative that conflict is inevitable.
"Taiwan is the biggest flashpoint (for war) today, but Taiwan's leadership understands the red line they will not cross," said Dr Ralph A. Cossa.
The president emeritus and WSD-Handa Chair in Peace Studies, Pacific Forum, US, believes a conflict is unlikely as leaders from China, America and Taiwan understand the red line.
But he worries about "accidents" that could precipitate war.
Cossa mentioned the use of cannons against Philippine fishermen in the South China Sea and the building of islands there by China.
"Perhaps what is more dangerous is we talk too much (about the possibility of war)," said Rizal Sukma.
The senior fellow of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Indonesia, said Asean needs to do more to avert complications involving the two superpowers.
Australia believes the international community wants all parties to reduce the chances of war.
"As to whether war is imminent, the answer is no," said Richard Maude, executive director of Policy Asia Society Australia and senior fellow of Asia Society Policy Institute, Australia.
Earlier, an associate professor of war studies, University of Potsdam, Germany, emphasised that the European Union continues to prefer dialogue.
"While the EU has soft and hard power, it remains supportive of a cooperative approach against China's assertiveness," Dr Christian E. Rieck said.