Defense leaders reaffirm security cooperation at Beijing Xiangshan Forum

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met separately with defense and military leaders from Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Namibia, Rwanda and Senegal in Beijing on Wednesday. The officials were in China for the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

Dong welcomed his foreign counterparts, emphasizing the historical significance and practical relevance of the forum, according to a news release from the Defense Ministry. He noted that the newly proposed Global Governance Initiative offers Chinese wisdom and solutions to reform global governance.

The Chinese military stands ready to enhance traditional friendships, strengthen strategic communication and further expand high-level security cooperation to jointly tackle risks and challenges and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that Malaysia and China are close neighbors and good friends, with bilateral ties bringing tangible benefits to both peoples.

He reaffirmed Malaysia's firm commitment to the one-China principle and voiced readiness to deepen practical exchange and cooperation in defense and security, contributing to regional peace and stability.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha expressed appreciation for China's role in facilitating the recent ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

He reiterated Cambodia's firm support for China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed readiness to expand cooperation in personnel training, joint exercises and other areas, under the guidance of the two countries' leaders.

Myanmar's Defense Minister Maung Maung Aye thanked China for its timely assistance in earthquake relief and post-disaster reconstruction, as well as for its long-term support in Myanmar's national and military development.

He said Myanmar places great importance on the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects within its borders and is willing to deepen military exchanges, safeguard border stability and elevate bilateral military ties to new heights.