On Thursday, China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun encouraged more efforts towards global unity, citing a world “defined by the rule of the jungle”. In a speech to officially open the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on security, Dong Jun added that the world was being dominated by Cold War mentality, hegemony, and protectionism.
Dong Jun stated that the world was in a different “crossroads” and would have to select dialogue instead of confrontation. He further added, “External military interference, seeking spheres of influence, and coercing others to take sides will bring the international community into chaos.”
Dong Jun’s statements included more than one veiled slur against the United States and seemed more hawkish than his address to introduce last year’s forum.
He states, “An obsession with absolute superiority in military strength and a ‘might is right’ approach will lead to a divided world defined by the rule of the jungle and disorder.” He further quoted that a powerful Chinese military would be a peacemaker.
The comments by Dong come after the recent speeches of China’s President Xi Jinping denouncing “hegemonism and power politics.” However, earlier this month, Beijing rolled out a massive military parade that showcased myriad new weapons.
The statements made by Dong Jun are against the backdrop of smoldering relations between China and the U.S., also with its partners and allies, about flashpoints within East Asia, including Taiwan and the South China Sea, in addition to economic rivalries at large under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Alongside, he stated that China was willing to make its contribution to the maintenance of the international order. He further said that the “People’s Liberation Army” will never permit any Taiwan “separatist” efforts to succeed in achieving this goal.
He said, “The return of Taiwan to China is an integral part of the postwar international order,” to thwart external military interference at all times. China asserts that Taiwan is part of its land, and it has never denied its right to use force to control it.
The President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, and his administration severely argue against claims by China on sovereignty by stating that it is the people of Taiwan who should determine their own fate.
According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, some of the 1,800 guests are present at the three-day event, which is the official gathering of China with representatives of 100 countries, including government officials, military, and scholars.
The majority of Western countries have dispatched comparatively low-profile diplomatic representatives to the forum, with some stating that they are trying to learn more about the current military build-up and secretive military leadership in China.
