Full Breakdown
Dong Jun’s Xiangshan Forum Speech Calls for New Security Approach Amid Regional Tensions
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Core Event: Dong Jun’s Keynote at the 13th Xiangshan Forum
On September 15, 2026, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun opened the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum with a 20-minute keynote at the Beijing International Convention Center. Dong warned that “a zero-sum mindset” cannot resolve today’s problems and urged vigilance against “hegemonism, militarism and historical revisionism.” He promoted cooperation on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, outer-space and deep-sea capabilities and offered joint exercises, personnel training and technology transfer, especially with countries of the Global South.
Background & Context
The Xiangshan Forum, launched in 2006, is China’s flagship multilateral security conference and a counterpart to Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue. The 2026 edition runs from September 15-17, amid heightened tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea and doubts about U.S. security commitments in Asia. It precedes a scheduled summit in Washington between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump later in September.
Data & Statistics
- Delegations from roughly 100 countries, regions and international organisations attended.
- More than 60 participants held ministerial rank or equivalent senior posts.
- The United States was represented by senior Pentagon official Cynthia Karras.
- Vietnam sent Defence Minister Phan Van Giang, Malaysia sent Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, and North Korea’s delegation was led by Vice Defence Minister Kim Kang-il.
Official Statements & Responses
Retired PLA senior colonel Zhou Bo, now a senior fellow at Tsinghua University’s Centre for International Security and Strategy, described Dong’s tone as “relatively mild” compared with previous years, noting only veiled references to U.S. actions in the Middle East.
The United States, through Cynthia Karras, signalled continued engagement on regional security, while Vietnam’s Phan Van Giang and Malaysia’s Adly Zahari emphasized balanced ties with both Beijing and Washington.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts said Dong’s remarks on “historical revisionism” were widely read as a rebuke to Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested a Chinese attack on Taiwan might trigger a Japanese response.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the tone of Dong’s address. Some outlets describe the speech as a “softer, less critical” message to Washington, while others highlight “veiled criticism” of Japan and continued vigilance against hegemonism. Reports also vary on whether Dong mentioned Taiwan, the South China Sea or the United States, leaving a gap in understanding how the new rhetoric translates into policy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We must bear the lessons of history in mind and remain highly vigilant against all latent manifestations of hegemony, militarism and historical revisionism,” — Dong Jun
- “We must take the lessons of history to heart and maintain a high level of vigilance against all potential variants of hegemonism, militarism and historical revisionism,” — Dong Jun
What’s Next
The forum’s conclusions will feed into diplomatic preparations for the upcoming Xi-Trump summit, where both leaders are expected to discuss strategic stability and the role of the Global South in international governance.