Chinese and Russian military leaders took aim at the United States during a security forum in Beijing, despite China’s commitment to strengthening defense ties with Washington. The lack of regular communication between the US and Chinese militaries has raised concerns in Washington, especially given the escalating tensions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.
The Xiangshan Forum, China’s largest annual military diplomacy event, commenced without a Chinese defense minister, who traditionally hosts the forum, but did include a US delegation. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu cautioned the West about its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, warning that it could lead to a direct military clash between nuclear powers with catastrophic consequences. Shoigu also praised the exemplary relations between Russia and China.
Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission under President Xi Jinping, criticized “some countries” for attempting to undermine China’s government, indirectly referring to the United States and its allies. However, Zhang emphasized the need for improving military ties with the US, stating that China is willing to develop military cooperation based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.
Zhang held discussions with Shoigu on the sidelines of the forum. The Chinese defense minister, Li Shangfu, who usually delivers the keynote speech at the forum, was dismissed last week without explanation, and a replacement has not yet been named. Reuters reported that Li is under investigation for corruption, as he has been missing for two months.
The US Department of Defense sent a delegation led by Cynthia Xanthi Carras, China country director in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense. Carras briefly interacted with defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian during the forum. Chad Spragia, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, emphasized the significance of US participation, stating that it is crucial for the US not to cede space to others and that they are present and listening.
The participation of the US delegation comes as the US and China increase exchanges ahead of an expected summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month. While there were conciliatory remarks about improving China-US military ties, Zhang and some Chinese military officers showed no signs of softening their stance on issues like Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory.
Chinese Lieutenant-General He Lei, speaking at a panel, asserted that if China were to use force against Taiwan, it would be a just and legitimate war for reunification. Zhang, in his speech, urged countries not to deliberately provoke others on major and sensitive issues, emphasizing that Taiwan is a core interest for China.
Many Western countries have chosen to either boycott the forum or send low-level delegations.
