The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum has wrapped in the Chinese capital. World military officials and defense experts discussed potential collaboration and resolutions of existing conflicts. CGTN’s Cen Ziyuan has the details.
Officials and experts say it is an important occasion to understand China’s vision of national defense and global security.
MARIA SULTAN Chairperson, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, University of Pakistan “I think the forum is extremely important, because of a number of reasons. First and foremost, the world needs to know what China is thinking.”
CEN ZIYUAN Beijing “The annual event with a theme of ‘common security and lasting peace’ touched on topics including major countries’ responsibilities, nuclear risks, and maritime crises. Experts see the forum as a platform to find solutions to existing conflicts and mitigate future risks.”
ROMMEL C. BANLAOI President, Philippine Society for Intl. Security Studies “I am so happy that China is holding this forum so that we can have a better understanding of China’s security outlook, particularly the Global Security Initiative.”
Some expressed frustration about US intervention in the region, accusing it of breaking international agreements.
MARIA SULTAN Chairperson, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, University of Pakistan “Unfortunately, the United States has now picked up India as a net security provider. So, when you pick up a country and label it as a net security provider you are not ready to follow any internationally established norm for security. You are willing to make exceptions and favors without any regard to regional security arrangements or even for that matter come up with any solutions.”
Despite differences over economic and political matters, ASEAN officials still value cooperation with China and seek to explore opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
POOMJAI LEKSUTARAKORN Commanding General, National Defense Studies Institute, Thailand “The army, the exercise against the terrorists is the one issue nowadays. But China has been very helpful and made very good contributions to Thai Armed forces.”
Officials and experts say they hope the forum can help to build understanding, to minimize differences and help find potential solutions to existing conflicts, adding that Asia Pacific countries should safeguard peace and stability in the region.
Source: CGTN News