Stability comes first: Chinese defence chief signals Beijing’s strategic caution
Dong Jun’s remarks stressing prudence as Xi-Trump summit looms and amid Iran war suggest no military action on Taiwan for now, analysts say
The Chinese defence minister has signalled strategic caution with his call for the country to “shape” a stable environment for Beijing’s broader political and diplomatic agenda, according to analysts.
According to meeting minutes released to the media, Dong stressed four times in his fewer than 400-word remarks that the military’s tasks were to “stabilise” the situation – more mentions than building military capabilities and maintaining combat readiness.
“[The military] should stabilise the situation and shape the momentum … serve the broader political and diplomatic agenda, conduct resolute and effective struggle, stabilise and manage the situation effectively, and firmly grasp the strategic initiative,” he added.
“Period of strategic opportunity” is a political slogan referring to a historical window when external conditions are favourable for national development and to build power. In 2002, former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin declared that China could enjoy about two decades of strategic opportunity.