China and Russia Unify to Present Global Security Vision at Beijing Defense Forum

China is currently holding its prominent military diplomacy conference, where defense officials from various countries are in attendance. This event serves as a significant platform for Beijing to advocate its unconventional approach to global security, while emphasizing its growing alliance with Moscow against the United States. The three-day Xiangshan Forum in the Chinese capital has attracted over 30 defense ministers, military chiefs, and additional representatives from numerous countries and organizations, including the US.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was given top priority as the inaugural speaker at the forum on Monday. Alongside China's keynote speaker, Shoigu criticized the perceived failure of the US-led security system. Notably absent from the lineup was China's defense minister.

Beijing announced the removal of defense minister Li Shangfu last week, without giving a reason or naming a replacement - the latest in a series of high-level changes under Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The Xiangshan Forum, which aims to address defense and security disputes, is taking place amidst growing fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict escalating into a broader regional war and Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

Beijing's attempt to position itself as a potential mediator in these conflicts, while seeking to establish its role in global security amidst mounting tensions with Washington, has been met with skepticism from regional governments and Western countries. This skepticism arises from Beijing's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan, as well as its support for Russia despite its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Both conflicts, nonetheless, received only a passing reference during a keynote address by Gen. Zhang Youxia, a prominent military figure in the Communist Party of China. He reiterated China's stance on the need for a "political resolution" to both the "Ukraine crisis" and the "Israel-Palestine conflict."

This pool photograph, distributed by the Russian state-owned agency Sputnik, captures Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping as they make their way to a group photo session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 18, 2023. The image was taken by Grigory Sysoyev and was made available through Pool/AFP/Getty Images.

Putin highlights Russia's alliance with China as Xi promotes a new global order amidst the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Zhang, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and subordinate to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, emphasized the importance of Xis "Global Security Initiative" as an effective resolution to worldwide conflicts. Additionally, Zhang made subtle criticisms towards the United States, albeit without specifically mentioning the country.

Zhang addressed his audience, highlighting the pervasive cold war mentality that currently engulfs our world. He emphasized the need to steer clear of engaging in bloc confrontation, employing language commonly used by Beijing to criticize both Washington and its allies.

According to Zhang, a country that prioritizes its own interests above all else tends to view others as rivals. He further noted that an unhealthy fixation on suppressing differing opinions inevitably leads to global conflicts and wars.

Zhang, ranking higher than the defense minister, further emphasized the importance of prioritizing "common security" and respecting each nation's developmental paths, which align with Xis security initiative announced last year. Additionally, the general declared that Beijing will not tolerate any attempts towards Taiwanese independence, as the ruling Communist Party of China asserts its ownership over the self-governing island.

China would continue to "deepen strategic coordination" with Russias military, and it was willing, Zhang added, to develop China-US military relations.

Increasing alignment with Russia

Shoigu's address, which followed the speech, emphasized his role as a key figure in Russia's faltering invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has continued for 20 months and is considered the most intense fighting in Europe since World War Two. In his speech, Shoigu accused NATO of concealing its true intentions to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, while also fueling an arms race in that area, echoing the usual rhetoric of China.

Shoigu stated that in order to preserve its geopolitical and strategic supremacy, the US is actively eroding the foundations of international security and strategic stability, such as arms control, and disregarding Russia's legitimate rights and interests for its own security.

In light of escalating tensions between China, Russia, and the US along with their respective allies, security coordination between China and Russia has strengthened in recent years. Although Beijing has repeatedly declared that it will not offer military assistance to Russia's war efforts, it continues to engage in joint military exercises and other security cooperation. Additionally, China has played a crucial role in supporting the Russian economy since its invasion of Ukraine last year.

Li Shangfu, China's Defense Minister, delivered a speech at the Moscow Conference on International Security in Kubinka, Moscow's outskirts, on August 15, 2023. On the same day, the Russian Defense Minister stated that Ukraine's military resources were "almost exhausted" despite receiving support from the West. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images/File

China removes Defense Minister Li Shangfu after two-month disappearance

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing earlier this month, the Russian defense minister made an appearance at the security forum. During Putin's visit, he stood alongside Xi Jinping at the Belt and Road Forum, symbolizing his prominent position. This forum takes place amidst the United States and China's efforts to manage their strained relationship, which involves issues such as Taiwan and China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. Both sides view a potential meeting between Xi and US President Joe Biden next month as a crucial opportunity to establish stability in their ties.

Last August, Beijing cut off high-level military communication with Washington as a response to a visit made by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. Since then, Chinese officials have rejected American attempts to arrange important meetings, seen as a form of protest against the sanctions imposed by Washington on former defense minister Li in 2018 for his involvement in purchasing weapons from Russia.

Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian announced during a recent press conference that there would be "exchanges" between Chinese officials and the US delegation. Emphasizing the significance of military relations between China and the United States, Wu expressed hope for a favorable environment conducive to the healthy and stable development of these relations. This information was reported by state media.

The forum was attended by a delegation from the US defense department led by Xanthi Carras, China country director in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense.