China Asserts Global Military Diplomacy: China is hosting defense officials from across the world for its flagship military diplomacy conference this week a key opportunity for Beijing to promote its alternative vision for global security that has also underscored its increasing alignment with Moscow against the United States.
More than 30 defense ministers and military chiefs, as well as lower-level representatives from dozens more countries and organizations, including the US, gathered for the three-day Xiangshan Forum in the Chinese capital.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was given prominent billing as the first visiting official to address the forum Monday, where he and Chinas keynote speaker both took aim at what they see as a failed US-led security system.
Noticeably missing from the line-up was Chinas own defense minister.
Beijing last week announced it had removed defense minister Li Shangfu from his position, without naming a replacement or providing an explanation for the sudden demotion the latest in a series of high-level shakeups under Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The Xiangshan Forum billed as an opportunity for countries to resolve differences regarding defense and security issues also comes amid heightened concerns about the potential for the Israel-Hamas war to spiral in a wider regional conflict and as Russia continues its onslaught on Ukraine.
Beijing has tried to project itself as a potential peacemaker in both conflicts, as it aims to cast itself as a player in global security amid heightened tensions with Washington.
That bid has drawn skepticism from governments in its own region and the West, given its aggression in the South China Sea and intimidation of Taiwan, as well as its backing of Russia despite its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Both conflicts, however, were only briefly mentioned in a keynote address from top Communist Party military official Gen. Zhang Youxia, who repeated Chinas calls for a political resolution for the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Zhang, who is vice chairman of Central Military Commission a powerful body headed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping who ultimately commands Chinas armed forces instead focused his address on hailing Xis Global Security Initiative as a solution to global conflict while making veiled jabs against the United States, which he did not directly name.
Our world is overshadowed by the dark cloud of cold war mentality and we must avoid falling into bloc confrontation, Zhang told his audience, using language typically employed by Beijing to criticize Washington and its allies.
If a country only cares about its own interest it will perceive everyone else as a rival, if it is obsessed with suppressing others with different opinions it will surely cause conflicts and wars in the world, he said.
Zhang, who ranks higher than defense minister, also said countries should instead focus on common security and respecting each others paths of development key tenants stressed in Xis security initiative, which the leader announced last year.
The general also said Beijing would show no mercy against any moves for Taiwan independence, referring to the self-governing island Chinas ruling Communist Party claims as its own.
China would continue to deepen strategic coordination with Russias military, and it was willing, Zhang added, to develop China-US military relations.
His speech was followed by a pointed address by Russias Shoigu – a key architect of Moscows faltering invasion of Ukraine that still rages 20 months on in what is Europes fiercest fighting since World War Two.
During his speech Shoigu accused NATO of covering its real intention to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific and of promoting an arms race in the region, echoing Chinas typical talking points.
To maintain its geopolitical and strategic dominance, the US is deliberately undermining the basis of international security and strategic stability, including arms control, and undermining the legitimate rights and interests of Russia for its own security, Shoigu said.
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Security coordination between China and Russia has tightened in recent years amid rising tensions between each with the US and its allies. Beijing has repeatedly said it will not provide lethal aid to Russias war effort, but has continued to participate in joint military drills and other security coordination, while providing a key lifeline for the Russian economy since its invasion of Ukraine last year.
The Russian defense ministers appearance followed a visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing earlier this month, where he took the place of prominence next to Xi at the leaders Belt and Road Forum.
The security forum also comes as the US and China are attempting to navigate their contentious relationship that includes frictions over Taiwan and Beijings aggression in the South China Sea. A potential meeting between Xi and US President Joe Biden in the United States next month is seen by both sides as an important opportunity to stabilize ties.
Beijing severed high-level military dialogue with Washington last August in retaliation for a visit from then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
Its officials have declined American outreach for high level meetings, in what was widely seen as a protest against sanctions Washington placed on former defense minister Li in 2018, prior to his time as defense minister, for weapons purchases from Russia.
Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said at a regular press conference last week that Chinese officials would have exchanges with the US delegation.
China attaches great importance to the development of military relations between China and the United States, Wu said at the time, adding he hoped for a favorable atmosphere for the healthy and stable development of their military relations, according to state media.
The forum was attended by a delegation from the US defense department led by Xanthi Carras, China country director in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the military doctrine of China?
Mao’s ideology emphasizes the supremacy of men and politics, asserting that a well-trained and indoctrinated soldier holds greater significance than the weapons they wield. This doctrine prioritizes the human element over technology and equipment.
Can China challenge US military?
China is reportedly working on the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles that could potentially be armed with conventional warheads. This development could pose a significant threat to the United States, as it would allow China to launch conventional strikes against targets in the continental US, as well as Hawaii and Alaska. The implications of this development are concerning, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
What are the examples of military diplomacy?
Defence diplomacy is a form of defence activity that goes beyond military operations. It involves international personnel exchanges, ship and aircraft visits, high-level engagement with ministers and senior defence personnel, bilateral meetings and staff talks, training and exercises, and regional defence forums. This approach does not rely solely on military force, but rather on building relationships and promoting cooperation between nations. By utilizing these methods, defence diplomacy can help to prevent conflicts and promote peace and stability in the international community.
What is the military policy of China?
China prioritizes partnerships over alliances and refrains from aligning with any military bloc. The country firmly opposes aggression and expansion, and condemns the arbitrary use or threat of arms. Its stance is rooted in a commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among nations.