At the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Sunday, Chinese and Russian military chiefs criticised the US and its allies for hyping up conflict.
The forum, China’s biggest annual show of military diplomacy, began on Sunday with participation from the Russian and American delegations. In addition, the forum witnessed the participation of more than 30 ministerial representatives and military chiefs, as well as representatives from international and regional organisations.
According to China’s Ministry of National Defence, the numbers of participants and senior officials this year were higher than in previous years.
Notably, Chinese Defence Minister (DM) Li Shangfu, who was recently removed from his post without any explanation, was absent from the event.
Comments from Russia
Russian DM Sergei Shoigu warned the West that its involvement in the Ukraine War had created grave danger.
“The Western line of steady escalation of the conflict with Russia carries the threat of a direct military clash between nuclear powers, which is fraught with catastrophic consequences,” Shoigu said at the forum.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attended the Beijing Xiangshan Forum today.
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) October 30, 2023
After a warm hug and cordial conversation with Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, they entered the venue together.
China & Russia have extremely high strategic… pic.twitter.com/n3wxakMdhJ
Furthermore, the DM called the model of Russia-China relations “exemplary,” adding that in contrast, the West intends to inflict “strategic defeat” on Russia in a “hybrid war.”
Comments from China
Meanwhile, Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, also voiced veiled criticism of the US and its allies, accusing “some countries” of trying to undermine the sovereignty of other nations.
“Some countries deliberately create turbulence and interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and instigate colour revolutions,” Zhang said in his keynote address.
“Countries should not deliberately provoke other countries on major and sensitive issues,” he declared, reiterating that Taiwan is a core interest of China.
However, the Chinese military leader also went on to stress that Beijing aims to improve military ties with the US.
“We will deepen strategic cooperation and coordination with Russia and are willing to, on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, develop military ties with the US,” he said.