China to Host Annual Defence Forum Amid Regional Tensions
2 sources across 2 countries · South Korea · United Kingdom
Who reported this
- The Korea Herald
- Reuters
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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China is set to host its annual Xiangshan Forum in Beijing this week. Defense Minister Dong Jun is expected to open the three day event on Tuesday. The forum occurs amid regional tensions involving Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as questions regarding United States security commitments in Asia. Hundreds of military officers, diplomats, and scholars from dozens of countries are expected to attend the event, which is described as a tightly scripted Chinese alternative to the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore.
Dong Jun is expected to advocate for closer international cooperation within a multi polar world. Analysts suggest the forum may include coded attacks on the United States and its allies, though some suggest such criticism could be tempered due to President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Washington to meet President Donald Trump. Japan may be a specific target of criticism regarding its wartime past and remilitarization. The United States delegation is expected to be led by Cynthia Carras, the Pentagon's principal director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia. Other attendees include Vietnam's Defence Minister Phan Van Giang and Malaysia's Vice Defense Minister Adly Zahari.
Experts note that while doubts about US commitments may provide an opening for Beijing, China's own assertive behavior in the South China Sea limits its ability to capitalize on this. Additionally, the forum provides an opportunity for foreign delegations to assess the impact of ongoing corruption purges within the People's Liberation Army and to meet potential future leaders of the Central Military Commission ahead of next year's Communist Party congress.
How each side framed it
- Centre
- The center lean source focused on the general timing and existence of the forum amid regional tensions.
- Centre-right
- The center-right lean source provided detailed context on the geopolitical tensions, the specific attendees, and the internal military dynamics within China.
Sources
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