China Seeks Broader Security Cooperation in Emerging Domains

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has called for a renewed international consensus on global security governance, with a specific focus on emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, outer space, and the deep sea. Speaking at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Dong described the current global environment as being at a "fragile juncture," urging nations to prioritize action-oriented cooperation over the formation of exclusive military blocs. The address highlighted a strategic push to integrate technology and geography into a broader framework of multilateral stability.

The forum, which marks its 20th anniversary, brought together approximately 2,000 officials, scholars, and observers from around 100 countries and international organizations. Under the theme of building consensus on stability, the three-day event provided a platform for diplomatic engagement amid heightened geopolitical tensions. According to reports from the GN auto geopolitics/asia-pacific: South China Sea desk, the gathering served as a significant venue for China to articulate its vision for global security architecture in a turbulent period.

Multilateralism as a Strategic Priority

Dong emphasized that multilateralism is essential for preserving overall global strategic stability, particularly in a world undergoing rapid and unprecedented changes. He warned against a "zero-sum mindset" and criticized what he described as hegemonism and militarism, arguing that these approaches exacerbate tensions rather than resolve them. The minister urged major powers to assume greater responsibility in security governance, suggesting that collective efforts are necessary to forge a new vision of security that benefits all nations.

In his remarks, Dong stated that development is the greatest guarantee of security, particularly for countries in the Global South. He argued that narrowing the development gap is central to improving global security and that international cooperation must be grounded in mutual benefit. This perspective aligns with broader Chinese diplomatic efforts to position international institutions and forums as spaces for inclusive dialogue rather than arenas for competitive power projection.

Emerging Technology and Security Governance

A central component of Dong’s address was the call for greater international cooperation in artificial intelligence, outer space, and the deep sea. He argued that emerging technologies should be managed in ways that allow them to "better benefit all humanity." This focus on non-traditional security domains reflects a growing recognition that modern conflicts and stability challenges are increasingly defined by technological capabilities and control over new frontiers. By advocating for shared governance in these areas, China is seeking to shape the norms and rules that will define future global interactions.

Diplomatic Context and Regional Implications

Notably, Dong did not mention Taiwan or the disputed South China Sea during his address, a choice that may signal a deliberate focus on broader global narratives rather than immediate regional disputes. The omission suggests an attempt to frame China’s security interests within a universalist discourse that appeals to a wider international audience. As the forum continues, observers will be watching for how these calls for cooperation translate into concrete diplomatic initiatives and whether they resonate with partners in the Global South and beyond.