A major international security forum began in Beijing on Monday against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war.
China’s Defence Ministry announced that more than 90 countries, including the United States and Russia, would attend the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. It is being held under the theme of Common Security, Lasting Peace, the key concept of China’s Global Security Initiative.
Vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the three-day event, while side events, including a symposium on Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War, were held on Sunday.
General Zhang stated the following at the forum:
“No matter who wishes to separate Taiwan from China in any way, the Chinese military will never agree to it.”
Zhang accused a “certain country” of interfering in the Asia-Pacific region and in the internal affairs of other countries, without naming the specific nation.
Wherever its hands extend to, that is where peace and quiet is not possible.
The general also hinted that China would resume high-level military communication with the Pentagon. Previously, Beijing cut off high-level military dialogue with the Pentagon following an unannounced trip to Taiwan last August by then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“We will deepen strategic cooperation and coordination with Russia, and we are willing to develop military relations with the US based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.”
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum is being held at a time when China has no defence minister after last week’s ouster of Shangfu Li.
