Overview

• Chinese defence minister Dong Jun opened the three‑day forum by warning against a world defined by the “law of the jungle,” denouncing hegemonism, and casting a stronger PLA as a stabilizing force.
• Dong promoted Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, rejected military blocs in favor of non‑aligned partnerships, and said China seeks to reinforce the post‑war international order.
• He reiterated Beijing’s position that Taiwan’s return is part of the post‑war order, vowed to defeat any “Taiwan independence” efforts, and warned against external military interference.
• On maritime disputes, Dong criticized freedom‑of‑navigation operations and international arbitration invoked by other claimants, while saying China is working with ASEAN to advance a Code of Conduct.
• Roughly 1,800 delegates from about 100 countries are attending, with many Western governments represented at lower levels, Russia voicing support for China’s security stance, and U.S.–China defense chiefs recently agreeing by phone to keep communication channels open.