Central Asia is among the most stable and harmonious neighboring regions of China. China has already become the biggest trade partner to two central Asian countries and remains a major trade partner to the others. Economic relations have further prospered with China raising the idea of "Silk Road economic belt". Some of the Central Asian countries are still seeking a way that suits their development, but their economic uncertainties won't harm cooperation with China.

However, terrorism, especially that interwoven with religious extremism, is gaining influence. Just before the 2013 summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Kyrgyzstan cracked down on a large terrorist group; Tajikstan also uncovered one that was planning an attack during the election. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has cracked down on more than 40 terrorist organizations in recent years.

These show the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has to effectively perform its role. China and Russia, especially, need to join hands more intimately to fight terrorism and combat drug trafficking. By maintaining stability in the region they can also prevent external forces, such as the United States, from intervening.

Li Ziguo, a researcher with the China Institute of International Studies

Throughout 2013, the situation in the South China Sea was relatively stable: no fierce confrontation happened, while dialogue began paving the way forward. However, the disputes between China and certain countries over sovereignty have never been solved. Besides, the Philippines is pushing for international arbitration on its dispute over Huangyan Island with China, a move that is now being copied by several other countries in their disputes. China might face huge pressure in the coming years in this region and it must be prepared.

External forces also show hints of intervening in the disputes in the South China Sea. For example, the United States has deployed fighter planes in Singapore and is negotiating with the Philippines over strengthening cooperation.

As a countermeasure, China needs to master the art of properly defending its sovereignty. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations in general holds a positive attitude toward China, but the disputes with some members are a huge obstacle to furthering their relations. China of course must defend its sovereignty, but without showing too strong a hand to avoid damaging relations.

In the near future there is hardly any possibility of totally solving the sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea, so the focus now is on the economic benefits in the disputed areas, such as fish and oil resources. It is advisable for China to concentrate on harvesting the actual benefits without being over-offensive in disputes.

The South China Sea is also an essential part of the chessboard for China's "new major power relationship" with the US, which pursues geographic strategic interests and hegemony in the region. The US was relatively moderate in pushing its influence in the South China Sea in 2013, but the game between the US and China will be long-lasting and China must learn to coexist with this power in the long run.

Liu Lin, a researcher with the Academy of Military Science