Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Beijing on Monday. Pedro Pardo / AFP – Getty Images
At the recent gathering in Beijing, the Xiangshan Forum, which serves as a prominent platform for military diplomacy, witnessed some intriguing exchanges. Although the absence of the Chinese defense minister raised questions, the presence of a U.S. delegation underscored the significance of the event.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, in a stern warning to the Western powers, emphasized the peril posed by their involvement in the Ukraine conflict. He cautioned that their constant escalation could lead to a direct military confrontation between nuclear-armed states, a prospect laden with catastrophic consequences. Shoigu also commended the strong bond between Russia and China, characterizing their relations as “exemplary.”
Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia of China’s Central Military Commission, representing President Xi Jinping’s administration, subtly criticized the United States and its allies. He accused “some countries” of attempting to undermine China’s government. However, Zhang also stressed the imperative of enhancing military ties with the United States, suggesting a desire for strategic cooperation.
“We will deepen strategic cooperation and coordination with Russia and are willing to, on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, develop military ties with the U.S.,” Zhang affirmed during his address, a statement closely observed by military attaches and diplomats. Notably, Zhang engaged in talks with Minister Shoigu on the sidelines of the forum.
It’s worth mentioning that China’s defense minister, Li Shangfu, who typically delivers the forum’s keynote speech, was removed from office recently without an official explanation, and no replacement has been named. This transition has had an impact on the level of military communication between China and the United States, with no high-level interactions occurring since Li’s appointment in March.
Nonetheless, the U.S. Department of Defense sent a delegation led by Cynthia Xanthi Carras, who serves as the China country director in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense. While at the forum, Carras engaged in a brief exchange with defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian.
Chad Sbragia, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, emphasized the importance of U.S. participation at the event, stressing that the United States should not cede this significant space to others. He affirmed the U.S. presence as a listening posture, highlighting the vital role of remaining engaged.
These diplomatic maneuvers unfolded against the backdrop of increased exchanges between the United States and China, as both nations prepare for an upcoming summit between President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi, scheduled for next month.
While there were conciliatory remarks regarding the potential for improving China-U.S. military relations, no signs of compromise were evident on contentious issues such as Taiwan. Chinese Lieutenant-General He Lei, speaking at a panel discussion, emphasized that any potential use of force against Taiwan would be considered a “war for reunification,” portrayed as just and legitimate by Beijing.
In his speech, Zhang emphasized the need for countries to refrain from deliberately provoking one another on major and sensitive issues. Taiwan, he asserted, remains a “core interest” for China.
It’s important to note that many Western countries chose either to avoid the forum or send low-level delegations, highlighting the nuanced and delicate dynamics at play in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
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