Beijing: China's Defense Minister Dong Jun on Wednesday emphasized the need for 'consensus' and 'action-oriented' governance in global security, urging cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and outer space during his address at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

According to Anadolu Agency, Minister Dong avoided mentioning Taiwan or the South China Sea in his speech. He highlighted that the world is undergoing significant changes, with international security at a critical juncture, and called for 'concerted efforts to forge consensus through a new vision of security, uphold stability with multilateralism.'

The forum, commemorating its 20th anniversary with the theme 'Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together,' has attracted around 2,000 participants, including official representatives, scholars, experts, and observers from approximately 100 countries, regions, and international organizations.

Dong urged the global community to oppose actions leading to exclusive blocs and escalating tensions, while also advocating for cooperation in artificial intelligence, outer space, and the deep sea to ensure that emerging technologies benefit humanity. The South China Morning Post reported Dong's warning against a 'zero-sum mindset' and his call for vigilance against 'hegemonism' and 'militarism.'

Emphasizing the importance of multilateralism in a 'turbulent' world, Dong described it as crucial for maintaining global strategic stability. He called on major powers to fulfill their responsibilities, citing the narrowing of the development gap as key to security governance, and asserted that 'development is the greatest guarantee of security' for countries in the Global South.

Dong concluded by expressing the Chinese military's readiness to share its experience and provide assistance within its capacity, encapsulating the sentiment with the Chinese proverb, 'Nothing in the world is difficult, as long as we are willing to climb.'