The final study session under the joint research project between the Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies and the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations was held in the auditorium of the International House of Japan. With the rapid development of ICT, the Internet has become an integral part of everyday life, making it an essential means for conducting effective social activities. Cyberspace, however, has been inundated by never-seen-before types of crimes, illegal activities and political activities (‘hacktivism’) which readily cross national borders. This may be evidence that the Internet has gained influence on society, on the other hand, states can no longer ignore such activities. There is a pressing need both nationally and internationally for developing order in cyberspace. In fact, recent episode of nationalistic arguments between Japanese and Chinese youths as well as conflicts between the United States and China over Internet censorship underscore the need. The symposium presented the results of the joint research project regarding the issues of how to solve international conflicts and problems in cyberspace.

[Research Members]
Japanese side:
Yasuhide Yamanouchi, Professor at the New Institute for Social Knowledge and Collaboration: Kumon Center, Tama University
Izumi Harada, Chief Fellow, Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies, Japan

Chinese side:
Yang Mingjie, Assistant President, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations
Zhang Li, Deputy Director, Center for Crisis Management Studies, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations
Gao, Deputy Director, Center for Crisis Management Studies, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations

Moderators:
Guoxiong Xu, Special Assistant to the President, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations
Susumu Kitazawa, Director, Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies; General Manager, NEC