Military diplomacy paying off

The participation of Chang Wanquan, state councilor and defense minister, in the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting plus representatives from eight partner countries in Brunei on Aug 29 will be another achievement of China's military diplomacy. By following the developments and changes in the international order, taking part in multilateral mechanisms and shouldering regional and global responsibilities, China has become an important force advancing multilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

China's military diplomacy will have a far-reaching impact on the development of a new security concept and the setting up of a new security structure in the Asia-Pacific. The country has already played a key role in the establishment of ADMM-Plus to override the alliance system that prevailed in the region during the Cold War era. This is important because despite being the most economically dynamic region in the world, Asia-Pacific's security structure is still dominated by Cold War mentality and military alliances.

The ADMM-Plus comprises the 10 ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners - China, the United States, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. It is by far the most inclusive and highest-profile regional defense and security mechanism that focuses on deepening mutual trust and promoting pragmatic cooperation.