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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
On November 2, 2025, the National Museum of Australia hosted the gala event "World Night of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Essence, Qi, and Spirit: The Dance of Life in Traditional Chinese Medicine," organized by the Australian companies Health Way Group and FPA Group. During the ceremony, the Center for Russian Studies at China Foreign Affairs University and the Center for International Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine jointly presented the report "Pacific Rim Life Security Index 2025" (PRLSI-2025).
Since its first release in 2023, this index has provided cross-border, multidimensional monitoring of life safety levels for three consecutive years, forming a system of indicators encompassing four dimensions—health, nature, society, and psychology. This system creates a continuous, comparable, and interpretable quantitative data base, which has already attracted widespread attention from domestic and international media.
The report aims to comprehensively cover the overall situation, risk distribution, and dynamics of change in the field of life safety in the region, based on scientifically verified data. Furthermore, it provides new empirical materials for academic research and serves as a practical guide for government authorities, regional organizations, and the international community in decision-making and management.
The current global security environment is characterized by high complexity and uncertainty. Traditional geopolitical rivalries and non-traditional security challenges are increasingly intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Frequent climate extremes, ongoing global public health risks, and growing social and psychological challenges create a multidimensional and multilayered dynamic of risk factors worldwide. Against this backdrop, life safety has gradually evolved from a peripheral aspect of national security to a central element of the international agenda, becoming a key indicator for assessing governance capacity and social resilience, as well as a new impetus for regional cooperation and innovation in global governance. The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most economically dynamic, densely populated, and ecologically vulnerable regions on the planet.
The level of security here not only influences the region's internal development and stability but also has a significant impact on global security. A systematic and scientific assessment of the state of security in the region has important theoretical and practical implications for identifying structural risks, understanding security trends, and strengthening regional cooperation.
The PRLSI Life Safety Index is based on the concept of "harmony" rooted in the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This concept reflects a profound concern for the harmony of life, harmony between humans and nature, harmony between nations, and the internal balance of body and spirit. In TCM philosophy, harmony is a fundamental principle of life and health. According to TCM, "when yin and yang are in balance, the spirit is in harmony." Harmony is a dynamic equilibrium in which yin and yang are balanced, qi and blood are in harmony, and body and spirit are united. Human health, societal resilience, national stability, and even regional and global peace—all stem from the order and wisdom of harmony.
Life safety in the region also requires harmony. Harmony not only symbolizes physical and mental balance but also expresses the spiritual connection of mutual respect and coexistence between humans and nature, between peoples and states. The concept of harmony transcends national boundaries and embodies humanity's shared aspiration for life, health, and well-being. In today's complex and unstable international environment, where environmental and health challenges intertwine, the idea of harmony serves as a cultural and philosophical foundation for life safety management.
The culture of harmony has a centuries-old history in China and is deeply rooted in the spiritual tradition of the Chinese people. From "harmony follows the Way" in the Book of Changes to "a gentleman is harmonious but distinct" in Confucius' Analects to "achieving harmony when heaven and earth are in their proper place and all things care for one another" in the Doctrine of the Mean—all of this expresses a holistic and harmonious perception of the universe, life, and society. This idea prioritizes peace over threats, cooperation over confrontation, and calls for joint development and the protection of human life, nature, and nations in a peaceful and harmonious environment. Guided by the principle of harmony, the PRLSI is not only a tool for scientific analysis but also a cultural symbol—a reminder that only through harmony and coexistence can sustainable security and prosperity be achieved.
In 2023, the average RIMPAC Index score was 61.0, the median was 61.38, and the difference between the highest and lowest scores was 47.32, with 22 countries performing above the average. In 2024, the average score decreased to 59.1, the median to 58.82, the maximum and minimum scores decreased to 46.5, and 21 countries performed above the average. In 2025, the average Index score was 58.58, the median was 57.75, and the difference between the maximum and minimum scores continued to decrease to 44.63. As a result, 20 countries performed above the average.
Pacific Rim Aggregates, 2023–2025
Figure 1 Overall Score of Asia-Pacific Countries, 2023-2025
The health dimension reflects the harmony of life and demonstrates the level of health protection provided by public health systems, as well as the social capacity of the organization and the distribution of health resources.
Key indicators include life expectancy, the effectiveness of infectious disease prevention and control, per capita availability of healthcare resources, and access to traditional medicine. In 2025, the average health score increased, reaching 22.48, up from 21.85 in the previous year, but still below the 2023 score of 23.10.
Average scores on health measurement indicators for countries in the Asia-Pacific region, 2023-2025
Figure 2 Average scores for health measurement indicators for countries in the Asia-Pacific region, 2023–2025
Singapore ranked first with a score of 33.32, Japan ranked second (31.42), New Zealand ranked third (30.64), South Korea ranked fourth (30.49), Australia ranked fifth (29.98), Chile ranked sixth (28.23), China ranked seventh (27.92), Brunei ranked eighth (27.73), North Korea ranked ninth (27.39), and Canada ranked tenth (27.16). The top ten countries remained relatively stable, little changed from last year. Of these, six are in Asia—Oceania (two) and the Americas (two). The top ten countries are still mostly Pacific island nations, while the rest are in Asia. Notably, North Korea's ranking improved from 22.81 in 2024 to 27.39 in 2025, significantly increasing its ranking from 19th to 9th place.
This improvement is explained by the increase in the availability of medical resources per capita (from 0.57 to 3.25) and the increased effectiveness of the prevention and control of infectious diseases (from 8.1 to 10).
The United States, by contrast, fell from 13th to 20th place, with its score declining from 24.55 to 22.35, primarily due to a decline in per capita healthcare provision (from 5 to 2.02). Overall, countries in the Asia-Pacific region have improved their ability to protect the lives and health of their citizens, but the overall level remains low, particularly in the Pacific island states.
The "Nature" dimension reflects the harmony between people and the environment, showing how natural conditions and disaster risks impact life safety. It includes indicators of preparedness for extreme climate events, geological disasters, and environmental pollution. In 2025, the average score for this dimension was 12.49, significantly lower than 13.69 in the previous year.
Average scores of natural dimensions indicators for countries in the Pacific region,
2023–2025
Figure 3 Average scores of natural dimensions indicators for countries in the Pacific region,
2023–2025
Singapore is first (19.16), Tuvalu is second (19.01), Nauru is third (18.84), the Cook Islands is fourth (18.82), Niue is fifth (18.10), Chile is sixth (17.45), Brunei is seventh (17.36), Papua New Guinea is eighth (16.83), Timor-Leste is ninth (16.40), and North Korea is tenth (16.17). Of these, five countries are in Oceania, four are in Asia, and one is in the Americas. The bottom positions in the ranking are mainly occupied by countries in the Americas and Asia.
Singapore held the top spot for two consecutive years (19.87 in 2024 and 19.16 in 2025), and despite a decline in its score, its position remained unchanged. Niue, the Cook Islands, and Nauru also maintained their positions at the top of the ranking. Tuvalu moved up from 11th to 2nd place thanks to improved preparedness for extreme climate events (from 4.47 to 5.01). China improved its score from 12.77 to 15.05 and moved up from 25th to 13th place, primarily due to improved preparedness for climate, geological, and environmental risks.
Palau, which ranked third in 2024, fell to 20th in 2025 due to a sharp decline in its climate preparedness score (from 5.5 to -2.01). It's worth noting that while the rankings of the leading countries remain stable, their scores have declined significantly. This requires continued vigilance against natural threats to life and security.
The social dimension reflects the harmony of international relations and the impact of the social structure, political order, and governance on life and security. Key indicators include the level of peace, counterterrorism, public safety, and a sense of security. In 2025, the average score for the social dimension was 13.16, up from 12.96 in the previous year, but still significantly below the 2023 level (14.33).
Average Social Dimension Indicator Scores for Pacific Rim Countries,
2023-2025
Figure 4 Average Social Dimension Indicator Scores for Pacific Rim Countries, 2023–2025
China ranked first with a score of 19.81; Singapore ranked second (18.41); Japan ranked third (17.47); South Korea ranked fourth (17.30); Thailand ranked fifth (17.25); Brunei ranked sixth (16.81); Vietnam ranked seventh (16.25); Australia ranked eighth (15.41); the Philippines ranked ninth (15.31); and Canada ranked tenth (15.20). Of the ten countries in the top ten, eight are in Asia, one is in Oceania, and one is in the Americas. The countries at the bottom of the rankings are predominantly located in Oceania. China, Singapore, and Japan continue to hold the top positions, with China retaining the top spot for the second consecutive year, with its score rising from 19.68 in 2024 to 19.81 in 2025, further strengthening its lead. The United States showed significant growth, rising from 31st to 22nd place, with its score increasing from 11.64 to 13.55. Low-ranking countries such as Honduras and Papua New Guinea remained virtually unchanged over the past two years, indicating serious structural challenges and slow social development.
The psychological dimension reflects mind-body harmony, demonstrating the impact of mental health and social support systems on quality of life. Key indicators include measures to prevent self-harm and suicide, prevention and treatment of mental disorders, and a subjective well-being index. In 2025, the average score for this dimension decreased to 10.44, compared to 10.61 in 2024 and 11.20 in 2023.
Average psychological scores for Pacific Rim countries, 2023–2025
Figure 5 Average psychological scores for Pacific Rim countries, 2023–2025
China ranked first (16.41), Australia second (16.35), Canada third (16.04), Singapore fourth (15.18), Mexico fifth (15.16), New Zealand sixth (14.77), the United States seventh (14.73), South Korea eighth (14.39), Costa Rica ninth (14.05), and Chile tenth (13.34). Three of these countries are in Asia, two are in Oceania, and five are in the Americas. Of the ten countries with the lowest scores, nine are Pacific island countries. Japan moved up from 23rd to 11th place, increasing its score from 11.64 to 13.26, mainly due to an increase in its happiness index from 6.16 to 7.87. Russia also improved its ranking, moving from 21st to 12th place (an increase from 11.78 to 13.10), driven by an increase in its happiness index from 4.93 to 6.36. Overall, most countries have seen a decline in psychological well-being compared to 2024, reflecting the region's shared socioeconomic challenges and stressors. However, some countries, such as Japan and Russia, are showing positive trends, indicating progress in mental health and social support.
Singapore ranked first overall with a score of 86.07; China ranked second (79.19); Brunei ranked third (74.91); South Korea ranked fourth (73.47); Canada ranked fifth (70.99); Indonesia ranked sixth (70.25); Australia ranked seventh (70.20); New Zealand ranked eighth (70.15); Japan ranked ninth (65.11); and Malaysia ranked tenth (64.22). Among the top 10 countries, six are in Asia, two are in Oceania, and two are in the Americas. The bottom 10 countries are mostly Pacific island nations.
The modern world is at a critical juncture, characterized by a multitude of interconnected risks. Only by prioritizing harmony can humanity resolve conflicts, reach consensus, and protect human life. This continued publication of the PRLSI not only provides a scientific basis for regional governance but also presents China's approach to global life safety governance. Let us join forces to advance the concept of harmony, build a community of shared security, and make peace and health the universal language of humanity.
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