Beijing, 31 October 2023 (TDI): At the Xiangshan Forum, a prominent annual security conference held in Beijing, military leaders from China and Russia voiced their concerns about the United States.
The conference took place on Monday, with China’s second-highest-ranking military official expressing a commitment to strengthen defense ties with Washington, even as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate.
One of the primary concerns discussed at the forum was the lack of regular communication between the US and Chinese militaries.
The absence of open lines of communication poses a significant challenge, especially given the mounting tensions over various issues and the potential for accidental clashes in critical areas such as the South China Sea and near Taiwan.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu issued a warning to the Western world, particularly related to their involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
He stated, “The Western line of steady escalation of the conflict with Russia carries the threat of a direct military clash between nuclear powers, which is fraught with catastrophic consequences.”
Shoigu emphasized the danger of the situation created by the West and lauded the exemplary relationship between Russia and China.
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Meanwhile, Zhang Youxia, the Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission also stressed the importance of enhancing military cooperation with the United States.
“We will deepen strategic cooperation and coordination with Russia and are willing to, on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, develop military ties with the US,” Zhang declared during his address.
Notably, the Xiangshan Forum typically features a keynote speech by China’s defense minister, but the absence of a host was evident this year.
This statement was closely monitored by military attaches and diplomats in attendance. Zhang further held discussions with Russian Defense Minister Shoigu on the sidelines of the forum.
The involvement of the US delegation coincides with the increasing interactions between the United States and China, as they prepare for an anticipated summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for next month.
In a significant development last week, China’s chief diplomat, Wang Yi, engaged in an hour-long meeting with President Biden. The White House characterized these talks as a “valuable opportunity” to maintain a constructive channel of communication between the two major global powers.
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