Criticizes 'Hegemonic Reasoning' by China's Dong
China's Defense Minister Addresses Global Tensions at Xiangshan Forum
In a significant development, Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun addressed a host of thorny international issues during a video call with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and at the opening ceremony of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.
The forum, attended by about 1,800 representatives from 100 countries, emphasized peace and development but Dong expressed concern over the persistence of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism. His remarks addressed China's protection of maritime interests, a topic that causes tension in the region and beyond.
Dong defended China's safeguarding of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests as a defense of the post-war order and international rule of law. He stressed the importance of recognizing and opposing "hegemonic logic" and acts of bullying disguised in a new form.
The minister's comments were a subtle reference to the US, China's primary competitor under the Trump administration.
Recent months have seen confrontations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, with the Philippines reporting an injury caused by a water cannon attack by a China Coast Guard vessel near a disputed shoal. Several countries, including Taiwan, have long-standing disputes with Beijing over sovereignty in the South China Sea.
The countries supporting freedom of navigation and international arbitration include the United States, Japan, Australia, and several European Union members, while sovereignty and maritime claims disputes involving China occur mainly in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait regions.
Dong criticized the "freedom of navigation" advocated by certain countries, stating it challenges international relations norms. He denounced "hegemonic logic and acts of bullying" during his remarks at the forum.
The Xiangshan Forum comes two weeks after a grand military parade in Tiananmen Square to commemorate the end of World War II. China displayed new weapons, including advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles, drones, and laser technology, during the parade. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un were in attendance at the parade.
The defense forum takes place amidst anticipation for a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. It is clear that the global stage is set for significant discussions and potential resolutions of long-standing disputes.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
