He portrayed China’s military as stabilizing, deterring conflict, promoting peace, and pledging cooperation and trust-building
Beijing
China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun on Thursday criticised regional alliances, calling them “small circles for hegemony,” as he warned against foreign interference in Taiwan. Speaking at the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a major security dialogue, he attacked groupings like the Quad and AUKUS, which China says aim to contain its rise.
Dong reaffirmed Beijing’s stance on Taiwan, calling its integration with the mainland part of the “post-war order.” He stressed that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would never allow separatism or tolerate outside intervention. On the South China Sea, he opposed “extra-regional powers” interfering under the guise of freedom of navigation, while pledging to speed up a binding Code of Conduct with ASEAN nations.
China claims most of the South China Sea, though the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have claims. Dong said defending China’s maritime rights was part of upholding international law.
Presenting China’s military as a stabilising force, he argued that the PLA’s growing strength deters conflict and promotes peace and development. He promised greater cooperation, military trust-building, and stronger multilateral mechanisms.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and Dong stressed respecting historical justice while promoting reforms in global governance. He said China stands ready to defend sovereign equality, support multilateralism, and protect shared interests.
The Xiangshan Forum, themed “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development”, brings together over 1,800 representatives, officials, and scholars from more than 100 countries and organisations. It runs in Beijing from September 17 to 19, aiming to build consensus on security and stability.