China and the United States laid out divergent visions for global security at a major international forum focused on military diplomacy. The gathering highlighted Beijing’s push for a new regional and international order, one less dominated by Washington and its allies, and a call for greater respect for sovereignty and noninterference in internal affairs. The forum underscored the belief that conflicts elsewhere are connected to broader strategic competition and the need for dialogue to manage a volatile period in world affairs.
Russian officials used the platform to argue that Western powers are locking in military advantages by expanding bases and fueling arms races across the Asia-Pacific region. They repeated a consistent message that Moscow is open to talks, while criticizing what they view as Western meddling that fuels regional tensions. Senior Chinese military leadership echoed concerns about external interference, arguing that certain countries create instability by stirring unrest and attempting to influence internal politics in other states. The narrative framed these actions as direct threats to regional peace and China’s security environment.
Ahead of the forum, diplomacy appeared to move at a steady pace. Chinese state actors and Western counterparts engaged in a marathon of conversations aiming to bridge gaps and better understand each other’s red lines. The overarching objective of these exchanges was to arrange a future meeting between the top leaders of the two largest economies at a major regional summit in the United States, which observers see as a potential turning point amid a charged electoral and political climate. There was reiteration that Taiwan remains a nonnegotiable issue. Officials from Beijing stated that any attempt to separate Taiwan would be met with firm resistance from the Chinese armed forces, indicating a willingness to deploy whatever means are necessary to safeguard national unity.
Respect and cooperation
Relations between the two biggest powers have faced harsher times, with past events casting long shadows over trust and cooperation. Recent visits, including high-level engagements and public exchanges, have underscored an urgent need for constructive dialogue. Beijing expressed a desire to cultivate mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and practical military cooperation that benefits both sides. While Beijing invited the coordinating U S defense official to participate in the forum, Washington sent a lower-level representative, signaling a cautious approach that could limit real-time dialogue during the sessions. It remains unclear whether the envoy attended the meetings where Beijing and Moscow representatives offered candid assessments of their strategic priorities.
The Xiangshan forum has evolved into a pivotal stage for regional security discussions. China has not hosted a defense minister since a recent leadership transition, which disrupted bilateral military channels. The forum’s opening remarks signaled a determination to maintain open lines of communication even amid shifts in leadership and ongoing sanctions tied to broader defense procurement accusations. Attendees watched to see which figure would officially inaugurate the event and how Beijing would frame its defense leadership in the post-transition period.
Founded in 2006, the Xiangshan forum has grown into a prominent gathering that draws officials and defense experts from dozens of countries. A notable portion of participants come from the global south, while Western capitals have tended to send lower-level delegations. The forum serves as a platform for outlining a shared agenda that seeks to moderate the competition between major powers, challenge a Cold War mindset, and propose a new international framework that affords greater space for developing nations. The overarching theme emphasizes common security and enduring peace, with a focus on pragmatic cooperation, joint exercises in nonthreatening contexts, and transparent communication channels. This approach signals China’s aim to present itself as a stabilizing force amid rising great-power frictions.