Beijing, (TDI): The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum entered its second day on Friday, with a message of peace from Chinese President Xi Jinping and a keynote address by Defense Minister Dong Jun.
The overarching theme of the forum revolved around the pursuit of global peace and security.
In a letter addressed to the forum, President Xi highlighted that, in the face of profound global changes and growing demands for security and stability, China has been advancing the Global Security Initiative.
He stressed the importance of fostering international consensus, addressing the root causes of conflict, and improving global security governance.
Xi expressed hope that the forum would continue to promote dialogue, mutual trust, and cooperation, contributing to a collective effort in addressing global security challenges and fostering a shared future for humanity.
Defense Minister Dong Jun, in his keynote speech, emphasized the need for mutual respect and inclusiveness amid the ongoing global transformations.
He called for countries to seek common ground, embrace differences, and work together for win-win cooperation.
According to Dong, the global community should pursue collective development, promote unity in security matters, and adopt an inclusive approach that prioritizes common interests over the narrow agendas of smaller groups.
Political Solutions to Conflicts
Dong also stressed the importance of pursuing political solutions to conflicts and maintaining a fair and objective stance.
He urged global leaders to address both the symptoms and root causes of turmoil, advocating for a multipolar world grounded in equality and order.
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The Chinese military, he said, is committed to the Global Security Initiative and stands ready to collaborate with other nations to build a new type of security partnership, ensuring peace and stability worldwide.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, has been positively received by participants from diverse nations.
The China-proposed Global Security Initiative resonated with many attendees, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
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Lye Liang Fook, a senior fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, praised Dong’s speech for its focus on regional cooperation based on national interests.
Lye noted that while territorial disputes remain, responsible countries should focus on reducing tensions and seeking opportunities for cooperation on common issues.
Lampros Stergioulas, a professor at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, remarked on the importance of global initiatives in addressing shared challenges, stressing the need for collective solutions.