China to Push Security Vision at Beijing Forum

Beijing will host the three-day Xiangshan Forum this week, where China’s military leadership is set to present its views on global security. The gathering comes amid tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as doubts over US commitments to Asia.

Defense Minister Dong Jun is expected to call for closer international cooperation in a multipolar world when he addresses the forum’s opening ceremony on Wednesday. Diplomats and analysts also anticipate indirect criticism of the United States and its allies. However, the tone may be softened by President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington later this month. Japan could instead become a more prominent target of Beijing’s criticism.

Hundreds of military officers, diplomats and experts from dozens of countries will attend the forum. Western nations typically send lower-level delegates, while some Asian countries will be represented by ministers.

The US delegation is to be led by Pentagon official Cynthia “Xanthi” Carras, while Vietnam will be represented by Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and Malaysia by Deputy Defense Minister Adly Zahari.

Taiwan will not participate. Beijing considers the island part of its territory, while Taiwan recently conducted defense drills simulating a Chinese invasion.

Doubts about US commitments are giving China room to promote a security architecture led by Asian states. However, according to experts, Beijing’s increasingly assertive behavior is also fueling mistrust. Delegations will also be watching the fallout from anti-corruption purges within the Chinese military ahead of next year’s Communist Party Congress.

(Reuters, bak)