The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, titled Common Security, Lasting Peace, commenced on Sunday, attracting participants from numerous countries, regions, and international organizations. It serves as a vital platform for open discussions and better understanding of each other’s positions amidst current international security tensions.
More than 90 countries, regions, and international organizations were represented in the official delegations at the three-day event. This year’s forum witnessed a higher number of participants and senior officials compared to previous years. The agenda for the first day included high-end dialogues, expert dialogues, a seminar for young military officers and scholars, a symposium on Sun Tzu’s Art of War, and a welcome dinner. The formal opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday.
The forum aims to address key topics through four plenary sessions, focusing on Major Countries’ Responsibility and Global Security Cooperation, the Role of Developing Countries in Global Security, Asia-Pacific Security Architecture, and Regional Security and Development. Additionally, eight simultaneous sessions will cover various subjects such as security trends in Northeast Asia, ASEAN’s centrality in regional security cooperation, the Middle East’s new security architecture, peace in Europe, maritime crisis management, nuclear risk, artificial intelligence security, and international military cooperation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum plays a crucial role in implementing the concept of a global community based on a shared future. By exploring the theme of Common Security, Lasting Peace, the forum aligns with the core idea of the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Participants anticipate gaining insights into China’s strategies for implementing the GSI, fostering collaboration among countries, and supporting this initiative.
Experts attending the forum emphasized the importance of discussing lasting peace at a time when conflicts persist in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. They believe the forum, being the first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic, enables the reestablishment of personal connections among colleagues, scholars, and officials. China’s active involvement in shaping global security and the opportunity to understand the perspectives of Chinese intellectual elites and officials contribute to the significance of the forum.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum serves as a platform for countries and regions engaged in conflicts to engage in meaningful dialogue. Sessions dedicated to European and Middle Eastern regional security will provide opportunities to address conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine conflict in a rational manner.
Furthermore, the forum aims to amplify the voices of developing countries, particularly small- and medium-sized nations. It offers them the chance to make an impact and actively participate in dialogues. With China’s commitment to standing with the Global South and advocating for developing countries, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum provides a unique space for their perspectives.
Participants believe that China’s approach of promoting dialogue, respecting everyone, and avoiding interference aligns with the principles required for world peace. The forum signifies a shift from a bipolar world governed by a few interests to a multipolar world encouraging people from various civilizations to sit down, discuss, respect each other, and seek alternatives for peace. China is recognized as a leader in this approach.
The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum serves as a critical platform for fostering communication, understanding, and global cooperation on security and peace. With its diverse range of participants and comprehensive agenda, the forum provides a valuable opportunity to address global challenges and work towards a secure and peaceful future.
