China

Analysis: China's Calls for Dialogue at Beijing Defense Forum

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By Scott Huang/Lery Hiciano

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In a keynote speech at Beijing's Xiangshan Defense Forum, China’s defense minister Dong Jun called for countries to seek new ways to resolve disputes, avoiding mentions of Taiwan and tensions with the United States. Institute for National Defense and Security Research analyst Shen Ming-shih says the lack of direct references to Taiwan may reflect Beijing’s focus on managing US-China relations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned meeting with US President Donald Trump.

China's Defense Minister Calls for Restraint and Dialogue at International Forum

REPORTER:  
China's defense minister has called for countries to avoid provocative acts and find new ways to resolve disputes.

REPORTER:  
Minister Dong Jun spoke at the Xiangshan Forum, which brings global defense officials and scholars together with their Chinese counterparts. He didn’t directly mention Taiwan, ongoing tension in the South China Sea and competition with the US. This comes as US President Donald Trump prepares to host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, DC next week, the second meeting between the two leaders this year.

REPORTER:  
As the keynote speaker in Beijing's Xiangshan Defense Forum, China's defense minister called for countries to limit tensions and instead focus on more multilateral cooperation and communication.

REPORTER:  
The forum is an international event that brings together Chinese and international defense officials, scholars, and former politicians. In his speech, China's defense chief Dong Jun did not mention Taiwan, ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, or directly criticize the US. This comes as US President Donald Trump prepares to host China's Xi Jinping at a summit in Washington DC next week, the second meeting between the two leaders this year.