China's Defense Chief Holds Bilateral Talks at Beijing Xiangshan Forum

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held a series of bilateral meetings with defense leaders on the sidelines of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, according to official military releases. Over two days, Dong met with defense officials from Thailand, Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore, North Korea, Mauritania, Gabon, and Somalia. Dong emphasized Beijing's commitment to multilateral dialogue, sustainable security, and practical military-to-military cooperation, while visiting counterparts voiced interest in expanding joint exercises, strategic communication, and high-level defense exchanges.

The extensive roster of bilateral meetings illustrates how Beijing leverages the Xiangshan Forum as a central diplomatic venue to reinforce peripheral defense ties and court partners across the Global South. By hosting regional neighbors and African defense officials alongside traditional partners, China seeks to present its security initiatives as constructive alternatives in global security governance.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun conducted a series of bilateral meetings with foreign defense chiefs during the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, signaling Beijing's effort to deepen defense diplomacy with neighboring nations and partners across the Global South, according to reports published by China Military Online. On September 16, Dong met separately with Thai Defense Minister Adun, Mongolian Defense Minister Batlut, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha, and Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing. During these talks, Dong asserted that global governance stands at a critical juncture and emphasized that the Beijing Xiangshan Forum serves as an inclusive platform for dialogue, equality, and mutual learning. Dong stated that the People's Liberation Army is prepared to work with regional armed forces to maintain international and regional stability. In response, Thai Defense Minister Adun voiced support for expanding defense cooperation, specifically highlighting joint exercises, training, and humanitarian relief operations. Mongolian Defense Minister Batlut affirmed that maintaining long-term friendly neighborhood ties with China remains a foreign policy priority for Ulaanbaatar, calling for strengthened political trust. Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha pledged to implement consensus reached by both countries' leadership and deepen practical inter-military cooperation. On September 17, Dong continued bilateral engagements with defense leaders from Northeast Asia and Africa, meeting North Korean Vice Minister of National Defence Kim Kang Il, Mauritanian Defense Minister Sidi, Gabonese Defense Minister Onkanowa, and Somali Defense Minister Fiqi. Dong highlighted General Secretary Xi Jinping's vision of a community with a shared future and major global initiatives, arguing that deeper security cooperation leads to greater global stability. North Korean Vice Minister Kim Kang Il commended the forum and stated that the Korean People's Army intends to strengthen strategic communication and close exchanges with the Chinese military under the guidance of both nations' top leadership. Mauritanian Defense Minister Sidi voiced firm backing for China's global initiatives and expressed interest in exploring further defense cooperation, while Gabonese Defense Minister Onkanowa identified China as Gabon's most important cooperative partner and pledged to advance bilateral military ties.