Dong Jun adopts softer stance on US at Xiangshan Forum as Xi prepares for Trump summit

Defence Minister Dong Jun delivered a softer critique of the United States during his address at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday, according to a retired senior colonel in the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Zhou Bo, now a senior fellow at Tsinghua University, noted that Dong's remarks were "relatively mild," even as references to the US and its actions in the Middle East were made.

This softer tone came a week before Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to the US and as US officials have praised improved military communication between the two nations. At the forum, Dong called for a new security approach based on dialogue rather than confrontation and partnership instead of alliance, critiquing Washington's military alliances as bloc confrontation.

He urged nations to shoulder their responsibilities and oppose exclusive bloc formations, stating disputes should not be resolved by force. Dong also expressed the Chinese military's willingness to share its governance experience as the People's Liberation Army prepares for its centenary next year. Furthermore, he offered assistance within capacity to other nations developing their armed forces.

This move highlights China's growing confidence in its military, reflecting Beijing's increasing capability in this area. As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Xiangshan Forum, the event took place just days before Xi's historic visit to the US and his second summit with US President Donald Trump this year. The two leaders are expected to meet in Washington on September 24.

Last year, Dong also avoided naming countries, including the US, while describing military alliances as groups with "selfish interests." He urged nations to stand against "disguised hegemonic logic and bullying acts." Notably, Dong did not mention Taiwan in his speech, but US Defence Chief Pete Hegseth had also omitted the topic in his speech at the Shangri-La security dialogue in Singapore earlier this year.

Zhou emphasized that not mentioning Taiwan does not imply China is less concerned, as the issue remains a core interest to Beijing. Beijing views Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary, but most countries, including the US, do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state and oppose any attempt to take the island by force.

Dong highlighted AI, outer space, and deep sea as three areas requiring communication and cooperation between countries, noting that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, and nations should remain vigilant against hegemonism to prevent minor disagreements from escalating to major frictions.