CaliToday (20/9/2025): China's Defense Minister, Dong Jun, delivered a stark warning that the world is increasingly being governed by the "law of the jungle," as he called for greater global efforts towards unity in his opening address at a premier security conference in Beijing.
Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum, Dong described a divided world, torn apart by a resurgent "Cold War mentality, protectionism, and hegemonic tactics" that threaten to "plunge the international community into chaos."
The high-profile forum comes as China intensifies its geostrategic efforts to expand its influence and project itself as a pillar of global stability. Dong's speech was widely interpreted as an implicit critique of what Beijing views as the erratic diplomatic style of U.S. President Donald Trump and the broader Western-led world order.
This year’s conference, which state media reported is being attended by 1,800 representatives from 100 nations, is the latest in a series of major events hosted by Beijing to showcase its global leadership ambitions. It follows a significant world leaders' summit and a large-scale military parade, all designed to reinforce China's image as a confident and stable major power.
In his address, Minister Dong urged the international community to resist divisive politics and work together to address common security challenges. His message aligns with Beijing's broader narrative that it offers a more predictable and cooperative alternative to U.S. global leadership.
Evidence of China's strategy extends beyond rhetoric. A recent report by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, highlighted that Beijing has been actively strengthening its defense partnerships with neighboring countries. The report noted significant inroads into new arms markets, with China successfully securing deals to sell military hardware to nations like Indonesia and Malaysia, traditionally purchasers of Western or Russian equipment.
This combination of assertive public diplomacy at forums like Xiangshan and tangible military-industrial engagement with regional partners illustrates China's dual-track approach to building influence: presenting a grand vision for global governance while simultaneously cementing its role as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific.
