Full Breakdown
Chinese Defence Minister Calls for End to Provocative Acts at Xiangshan Forum
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Dong Jun’s Call for Restraint
On September 16, Defence Minister Dong Jun addressed the opening session of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, urging all nations to avoid provocative actions and to curb what he described as a resurgence of “regressive historical trends.” He warned that the world was at a “fragile moment” and emphasized vigilance against “hegemony, militarism and historical revisionism.” Dong stressed the need for “broad-based forces of justice” to suppress such tendencies, while offering no explicit criticism of any specific country.
Regional Context: Taiwan, South China Sea, and Japan
Dong’s remarks came amid heightened tension over China’s claim to Taiwan and disputes in the South China Sea. Relations with Japan have deteriorated since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response, prompting Beijing to accuse Japan of reviving its aggressive past. The United States’ security commitments in Asia are also under scrutiny, though Dong avoided direct references to the United States or its regional allies.
Forum Composition and Notable Exchanges
The three-day forum, described as a tightly scripted counterpart to the Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted roughly 2,000 military officers, diplomats and academics from 100 countries, including regional defence ministers, a senior United States Pentagon official, Russian scholars and Taliban representatives. A pointed exchange featured Prince Turki Al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia sharing a panel with Iranian officer Mohammad Taghi Osanlou, who accused the United States of maintaining a “unipolar hegemonic system.” Al-Faisal countered by criticizing Iran’s alleged attacks on Arab states.
Official Statements & Responses
Dong’s speech framed China’s stance as a call for a “peaceful, multipolar world” based on partnership rather than alliance and win-win outcomes instead of zero-sum competition. He reiterated that China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and continues to increase military pressure around the island, including periodic war games. The Chinese government’s position, as articulated by Dong, rejects any external interference that might “hijack” regional interests for personal or clique-driven gain.
Potential Implications
The minister’s appeal for restraint arrives a week before President Xi Jinping is expected to travel to the United States for a summit with President Donald Trump, suggesting a diplomatic backdrop to the forum’s discussions. Observers note that the Xiangshan Forum’s expanding military diplomacy, exemplified by increasingly complex bilateral exercises, may influence how regional actors navigate the “fragile moment” highlighted by Dong.