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Seong Hyeon Choi

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun gave a keynote speech to the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday, with just over a week until a summit in the United States between the presidents of the two countries.
In his 20-minute address, Dong outlined China’s goals for global governance, multilateralism, conflict prevention and the development of emerging technology.
Global security at a ‘moment of fragility’
Dong started by warning that a “zero-sum mindset” could not resolve today’s problems.
He said that while China upheld a cooperative security approach, global governance would either advance or regress.
International security remained “fragile”, he said, calling for a new security approach to be forged based on dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win outcomes rather than zero-sum games.
Vigilance against ‘hegemonism, militarism’
Dong said multilateralism must be upheld in a turbulent world, describing it as “essential” to safeguarding overall global strategic stability.
He called for major powers to shoulder their responsibilities, while ensuring equal participation of countries for security governance and development.
He also said that countries should bear in mind the lessons of history and remain highly vigilant against hegemonism and militarism, and prevent minor disagreements from escalating into major frictions.
The comment appeared to be a veiled reference to relations with Japan, which have declined since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that an attack on Taiwan could constitute a Japanese military response.




Beijing to share experience, expand military cooperation
Dong said China was ready to share its experience of building and governing its military and help “within our capacity” countries in need with their military development.
He outlined Beijing’s plan to expand practical cooperation in areas such as joint exercises and training, personnel training, and equipment and technology.
Development and security
Noting that “nothing in the world is difficult, as long as we are willing to climb”, Dong said the Chinese military was ready to work with all parties to maintain regional stability and safeguard peaceful development.
He said the key to security governance was in narrowing the development gap, and that “development is the greatest guarantee of security” for countries of the Global South.


AI and emerging technology
Dong called on the international community to firmly oppose actions that involved forming exclusive blocs and exacerbating tensions.
He also voiced support for cooperation on artificial intelligence, outer space and the deep sea, so that emerging technologies could better benefit all humanity.
No word on Taiwan, South China Sea
Dong did not make any direct mentions of Taiwan during the speech.
It was a departure from his address last year when he said “Taiwan’s return is an integral part of the post-war order”.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.
Despite recently simmering tensions with the Philippines, Dong also did not comment on the South China Sea dispute.
There was also no direct mention of Japan, although Dong called for the powers of justice to unite to prevent historical problems from reemerging.


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The Chinese defence minister officially opens the security conference with a warning about ‘zero-sum’ mindsets


The Chinese defence minister officially opens the security conference with a warning about ‘zero-sum’ mindsets.


Fragility and cooperation: takeaways from Dong Jun’s Xiangshan Forum speech

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The Chinese defence minister officially opens the security conference with a warning about ‘zero-sum’ mindsets

Global security at a ‘moment of fragility’

The Chinese defence minister officially opens the security conference with a warning about ‘zero-sum’ mindsets