The fifth Xiangshan Forum, held in Beijing from Nov. 20 to 22, focused on the theme “Win-win Cooperation: Build the Asian Community of Common Destiny.” A record number of countries took part in this year’s forum on security and defense. Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan delivered a keynote speech, proposing countries in the region enhance dispute management, strengthen defense exchanges and cooperation, and boost regional security:
In recent years, the rapid rise of China’s overall national strength and the deepening modernization of its defense system have attracted broad attention worldwide. To start, I’d like to explain why China is speeding up efforts to modernize its defense system and the army in respects of history and the present. I have five points to make.
Firstly, the modernization drive is based on deep reflection of the nation’s hardships and suffering in its modern history. China is one of the world’s ancient civilizations. However, we all know that in the modern era, Chinese feudal rulers were corrupt and incompetent, which resulted in continuous incursions by foreign powers, leaving the Chinese people to suffer in an abyss of a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society. Only after 100 years of resistance and resolute fighting could the Chinese finally decide their own destiny. On national sovereignty and security, we understand thoroughly that we should not believe that an enemy will not intrude, and we must rely on our own sufficient preparations if an enemy does intrude. So China is adamant in pushing forward modernization of its defense and military to effectively safeguard national sovereignty, security and interests.
Secondly, it is an actual necessity to protect China’s territory. China has a massive territory and a huge population as well as extensive borders, coastlines, and islands. These facts place on the military a huge responsibility for territorial protection, especially when China has not realized complete reunification. We must say that consolidating defense and the army is both necessary and urgent. We also need to see that China’s efforts to safeguard its security and stability will contribute to security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Thirdly, modernization is driven by new military revolutions in the outside world, which are being accelerated as all nations race to modernize and reform their armed forces. Currently, the Chinese military still lags behind its advanced peers in mechanization and digitalization. The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee made a decision to deepen defense and military reforms. Under the requirement to build a strong army, we aim to construct a modern military with Chinese characteristics. This is an inevitable choice that fits with the times.
Fourthly, modernization will facilitate China’s reform and opening up. In the late 1970s, China launched the great reform and opening-up policy. The Chinese military has always served the nation’s reform and opening-up process and has made special contributions to the high economic growth. In the new century, the Chinese military has accelerated its modernization, which is supported by the country’s continued economic development. The aim is to coordinate defense building with economic development, and to better safeguard national economic and social development as well as the country’s expansion of overseas trade. However, we must note that China’s central task of economic development has not changed, and that military development is at a reasonable level.
And fifthly, we have a responsibility and obligation to cope with unconventional security threats. In recent years, terrorism, separatism and extremism have been on the rise. Major natural disasters are frequent. International maritime routes also face new challenges. These unconventional security issues have increasingly challenged countries in the region. Under such circumstances, we have attached greater importance to the use of our armed forces in peacetime by shouldering more international obligations to United Nations peacekeeping missions, the global fight against terrorism, escorting merchant ships, and international rescue and humanitarian tasks. One goal of China’s military modernization is to unite with other countries in coping with various security threats and to play the responsible role required of a big nation.
The world is seeing massive changes and adjustments and becoming more diversified as globalization, cultural diversity and digitalization deepen. The security of the Asia-Pacific region is generally stable and nations are becoming more dependent on one another. They are sharing a common destiny and on the same boat for glory or failure.
Chinese President Xi Jinping in May shared his view on Asian security featuring common security, comprehensive security, cooperation for security, and sustainable security. He hopes that all Asian countries work toward common security with a spirit of inclusiveness and cooperation, and welcomes relevant countries to participate in advancing common security. His view has provided a new option and mindset for Asian countries to cope with various security challenges. The Chinese military will implement the president’s proposal in its actions, promote international security cooperation with the armed forces of other countries and follow a path for shared benefit and mutual gain.
Firstly, the Chinese army will properly deal with sensitive and controversial issues, and be committed to safeguarding common security. Disputes between countries are normal. However, the key is to strengthen management in order to effectively prevent and resolve crises. On land, Chinese forces have 64 border stations for bilateral exchanges and meetings. In 2013, the Chinese military held more than 2,000 exchanges and meetings with neighboring countries. China and India have together maintained peace and stability in border regions by sticking to the China-India Border Defense Cooperation Agreement. At sea, the Chinese navy has held 16 joint patrol exercises with its Vietnamese counterpart in the Beibu Gulf. China currently is also negotiating with ASEAN countries on setting up a direct phone contact mechanism concerning defense matters. Not long ago, the defense departments of China and the United States signed two MOUs concerning a mutual reporting and trust mechanism on major military actions and a code of safe conduct on naval and air military encounters. These proactive and pragmatic measures allow us to maintain regional peace and stability and create an environment for each country’s development.
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