Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun emphasized the need for countries to avoid provocative actions and to be vigilant against regressive historical trends during his address at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 16, 2026. He advocated for a more inclusive approach to resolving international tensions, although he did not provide specific examples or direct criticisms of any countries.
Dong stated, "We must bear the lessons of history in mind and remain highly vigilant against all latent manifestations of hegemony, militarism and historical revisionism." He further remarked, "We must not turn a blind eye or condone such behaviour. By rallying broad-based forces of justice, we must suppress the resurgence of historical dregs."
The forum is taking place amid increased regional tensions related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, alongside skepticism regarding traditional US security commitments in Asia. Dong's speech follows a week before an anticipated visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for discussions with US President Donald Trump.
In his address, Dong also highlighted a vision for enhanced military cooperation and shared security during meetings with defence officials from various countries, including Myanmar, Brunei, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, as well as ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. The Xiangshan Forum has evolved into a key platform for China's military diplomacy, positioning itself as an alternative to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Despite expectations, Dong refrained from openly criticizing the United States or its allies, including Japan. Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a potential military response to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan, which prompted warnings from Beijing about Japan's historical aggression.
A Chinese scholar attending the forum expressed concerns about Japan's increasing role in the South China Sea, suggesting it could pose a long-term threat to regional peace. Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, stated, "I think that, from a longer-term perspective, Japan could be more damaging to peace and stability in the South China Sea than the United States."
He cautioned that Japan's focus on the South China Sea could lead to negative consequences for dispute resolution and maritime cooperation. The forum has seen varied representation from foreign governments, with many Western nations sending lower-level officials, while neighboring countries have dispatched senior defense leaders. A delegation from North Korea's Ministry of National Defence is also in attendance.