BEIJING – At a prominent security forum held in Beijing, Chinese and Russian military leaders took aim at the United States, even as China’s second most senior military official expressed a commitment to strengthening defense ties with Washington.
The absence of regular communication between the U.S. and Chinese militaries has raised concerns in Washington, particularly in the face of escalating tensions and the potential for accidental confrontations in areas like the South China Sea and near Taiwan.
The Xiangshan Forum, China’s largest annual gathering of military diplomacy, commenced on Sunday, but notably without a Chinese defense minister, who typically hosts the event. Nonetheless, it did include a delegation from the United States.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu cautioned the West about its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the grave danger it poses.
“Steadily escalating the conflict with Russia carries the risk of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers, which could have catastrophic consequences,” stated Shoigu, as reported by Russia’s TASS state news agency at the forum.
Shoigu asserted that the West’s intentions were to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia through what he termed a “hybrid war.” He commended the relations between Russia and China as “exemplary,” according to Russian state media.
Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission under President Xi Jinping, expressed veiled criticism aimed at the United States and its allies. He accused “some countries” of attempting to undermine China’s government.
However, Zhang also emphasized the importance of improving military relations with the United States.
“We are committed to deepening strategic cooperation and coordination with Russia and are willing to develop military ties with the U.S., based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Zhang stated in an address closely monitored by military attaches and diplomats.
Zhang engaged in discussions with Shoigu on the sidelines of the forum, as reported by China’s Xinhua state media.
In previous years, China’s defense minister had delivered the keynote speech at the forum. However, Li Shangfu was dismissed as defense minister without explanation last week, and a replacement has not been named.