Chinese defence forum set to open amid roiling regional tensions

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   China opens 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum amid regional security tensions

   Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun opened the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Wednesday, calling for an end to provocative acts and the reversal of regressive historical trends. The security forum, marking its 20th anniversary, hosts delegations from nearly 100 countries, regions, and international organizations. A senior Pentagon official for China is leading the US delegation, while Singapore's Chan Chun Sing is attending to urge great powers to build trust. The event occurs as tensions persist over the South China Sea and Taiwan.

   Why it matters

   The forum serves as a primary venue for China to promote security governance and dialogue with global partners. Its timing is critical due to growing doubts regarding US security commitments in Asia. The event aims to bridge security divides through consensus-building.

   What is confirmed

   • The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum is taking place in Beijing.
   • Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun attended the forum.
   • Delegations from nearly 100 countries, regions, and international organizations are attending.
   • The forum is marking its 20th anniversary.
   • A senior Pentagon official for China is leading the US delegation.
   • Singapore's Chan Chun Sing is visiting China to speak at the forum.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Dong Jun's comments regarding regressive historical trends were a veiled criticism of Japan.
   • The forum is taking place amid doubt over traditional US security commitments to Asia.

   What to watch next

   • Outcomes of bilateral talks between the Chinese Defense Minister and other visiting officials
   • Official statements from the US delegation following the senior Pentagon official's leadership
   • Specific security governance proposals emerging from the 20th anniversary sessions
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Reuters — Chinese defence forum set to open amid roiling regional tensions
   2. South China Morning Post — Exclusive | Senior Pentagon official for China to lead US delegation to Xiangshan Forum
   3. Ministry of National Defense People's Republic of China — 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum All Set on Schedule
   4. China Daily — Beijing Xiangshan Forum brings people together for dialogue
   5. Devdiscourse — China's Xiangshan Forum: Navigating Global Security in a Tense Asian Theater
   6. news.cgtn.com — Two decades of Beijing Xiangshan Forum: Building consensus on security
   7. China Daily — Beijing Xiangshan Forum promotes dialogue, consensus and trust
   8. Global Times — Beijing Xiangshan Forum to mark 20th anniversary with focus on security governance as preparation largely completed: organizer
   9. Kiripost — Minister of National Defence to Head to Beijing for Security Forum and Bilateral Talks
   10. chinadaily.com.cn — 20 years of dialogue, looking to the future
   11. news.cgtn.com — Xiangshan Forum bridges global security divides
   12. China Daily Global Edition — US expert's 20-year front-row seat to Beijing Xiangshan Forum's rise
   confidence 90%