China touts regional security cooperation at Xiangshan defence forum as US tensions loom
Amid South China Sea tensions, China’s defence minister reaches out to regional neighbours as Beijing hosts top security conference
Beijing has focused on neighbouring Southeast Asian nations at its annual security conference, pushing for cooperation as it tries to portray itself in a “contrasting light” amid tensions over the South China Sea, analysts say.
In his speech at the Xiangshan Forum on Friday, Defence Minister Dong Jun said every country had “the right” to safeguard its security as well as a responsibility for global security.
But he said when “other parties” get involved in regional affairs, they should cooperate with countries in the region to “provide positive energy” – a veiled reference to the United States and its Asian allies’ recent maritime confrontations with Beijing.
“At this new crossroads, we cherish the enlightenment of historical experience even more, and we have more confidence and wisdom to answer the theme of peaceful coexistence,” Dong said.
He said the security of countries in the region “remains in their own hands”.
Dong’s remarks come as managing tensions in the South China Sea has become a critical issue in the Asia-Pacific and among southeast Asian nations, as Beijing and Manila have clashed in frequent coastguard incidents over the past year.
