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

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun delivered a keynote speech at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, just over a week before a summit between the leaders of the United States and China. In his 20-minute address, Dong outlined China's priorities in global governance, multilateralism, conflict prevention, and the development of emerging technology. He stressed that global security is currently "fragile" and called for a new approach based on dialogue, partnership, and win-win outcomes, rather than confrontation or zero-sum games.

Dong emphasized the importance of multilateralism in maintaining overall global strategic stability, encouraging major powers to shoulder their responsibilities and ensuring equal participation of countries in security governance and development. He urged countries to remain vigilant against hegemonism and militarism, and to prevent minor disagreements from escalating into major frictions.

This comment appeared to be a veiled reference to China's relationship with Japan, which has strained since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that an attack on Taiwan could be met with a Japanese military response.

China expressed willingness to share its experience in building and governing its military, helping countries in need with their military development. Dong outlined plans for expanded practical cooperation in areas such as joint exercises, personnel training, and equipment and technology. He stressed that "nothing in the world is difficult, as long as we are willing to climb" and that the Chinese military is ready to work with all parties to maintain regional stability and safeguard peaceful development.

The key to security governance, according to Dong, lies in narrowing the development gap, with "development being the greatest guarantee of security" for countries in the Global South. He called on the international community to oppose exclusive blocs and tensions, and voiced support for cooperation on artificial intelligence, outer space, and the deep sea, so that emerging technologies could benefit humanity as a whole.

Dong did not directly address Taiwan or the South China Sea disputes, which remain sensitive issues for Beijing, despite the recent tensions with the Philippines.