China says world is at 'crossroads between peace and war'

2025-09-18 09:19:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

China has spoken out against interference in its affairs and against further conflicts, as regional tensions have increased.

"The world today stands at another crossroads: peace or war, dialogue or confrontation," said Defense Minister Dong Jung during the opening ceremony of the Xiangshan forum in Beijing.

He said that Taiwan is part of China, adding that China's military is a powerful force, capable of protecting reunification.

"Beijing will never allow Taiwan's independence efforts to succeed ," Dong said.

He added that China is prepared to repel any foreign military intervention at any time, without mentioning the names of countries in which he alluded that they could carry out such intervention.

Taiwan, home to 23.4 million people, has been governed by its own government since 1949. However, China claims it is part of its territory and frequently threatens to take it, not ruling out the use of force.

The United States, Taiwan's main backer, is legally obligated to support the self-governing island's defense capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

Due to disputes, particularly with the Philippines, over resource-rich areas in the South China Sea, Dong stressed that China will defend its territorial sovereignty as well as its rights and interests.

According to the Chinese minister, the goal of absolute military dominance and the approach that the strong is right will lead to the rule of the jungle.

Recently, China declared a coral island in the South China Sea as a nature reserve.

The Xiangshan Forum is considered China's counterweight to the international security conference, the Shangri-La Dialogue, held annually in Singapore.

Western countries typically send only low-ranking representatives to the Xiangshan Forum – Germany and the US sent military attaches from their embassies. Meanwhile, China sent a low-level delegation to Singapore this year for the first time in a long time, making it impossible for Dong to meet with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Several countries from Central Asia and the Global South sent their defense ministers. According to China, defense policymakers and experts from more than 100 countries have confirmed their participation in the Xiangshan forum./ REL