China's defense minister pledges greater efforts to safeguard world peace at Beijing Xiangshan Forum

BEIJING -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Thursday pledged greater efforts to safeguard world peace at the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

"In a time full of challenges, cooperation is the best choice," Dong said at the forum.

He said that the Chinese military is willing to work with all parties to uphold security with concrete actions, enhance military mutual trust, step up multilateral coordination, and promote high-quality and efficient cooperation while improving related mechanisms, so as to make greater contributions to safeguarding world peace and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Dong emphasized the need to uphold a correct view on World War II, safeguard historical justice, and foster the widest possible consensus.

The Chinese military stands ready to work with all parties to defend sovereign equality, uphold the post-war international order, bolster multilateralism, protect common interests, and jointly advance reforms to improve the global governance system, he said.

Dong also spoke of the Taiwan question in his speech, emphasizing that the island's status as a part of China is a historical and legal fact that is beyond any doubt.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army stands ready to defeat any secessionist plot of Taiwan separatist forces, and will foil any military interference from external forces, Dong added.

Under the theme "Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development," the forum pools together more than 1,800 official representatives, scholars and observers from over 100 countries, regions and international organizations. It runs from Sept 17 to 19.

The forum features four plenary sessions and eight parallel sessions. It also includes high-level dialogues, seminars for young military officers and scholars, and closed-door academic seminars, as well as interviews, special briefings, exhibitions, and visiting activities to enhance mutual learning between China and the rest of the world.

During the forum, participants focus on issues such as working together to uphold the victorious outcome of the World Anti-Fascist War and the post-war international order, as well as exploring effective ways to resolve conflicts.