China opposes introduction of external forces: Chinese Defense Minister

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said China stands firm in solving problems through dialogue, and opposes the provocation of disputes, the use of force, the formation of cliques, or the introduction of external forces into the region at the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, which was held in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday.

Dong stated that the world today is fraught with turmoil, and the people's yearning for peace and development is growing stronger, according to an official statement from China’s defense ministry’s Sina Weibo account.

Dong said the Asia-Pacific region remains generally stable, but there is a risk the region may be drawn into geopolitical conflicts. Our strategic choices today will determine the future security of the region and the well-being of its people. Countries should join hands and work together to safeguard our beautiful home.

He stated that China is willing to work with all parties to firmly strengthen the centrality of ASEAN, resolutely support the improvement and upgrading of the existing cooperation framework, and oppose "starting from scratch" or creating "small cliques." China is committed to safeguarding the unity of countries in the region, opposing the introduction of group politics and bloc confrontation into the region. China stands firm in solving problems through dialogue, and opposes the provocation of disputes, the use of force, the formation of cliques, or the introduction of external forces. China is also determined to deepen defense and security cooperation, promote the implementation of the Global Security Initiative in the region, and build a closer security community.

China and ASEAN should expand their shared maritime interests with a long-term perspective, engage in flexible and diverse maritime security cooperation, enhance their collective ability to safeguard maritime security, and contribute to maintaining regional and global peace and stability, Dong said.

Before the meeting, Dong held talks with the defense leaders of New Zealand, India, and Malaysia, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General.