China's Stance on Regional Security at the 11th ADMM-Plus Meeting

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, addressing the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Vientiane, Laos, emphasized China's commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and its opposition to actions that could destabilize the region.

Minister Dong acknowledged the current global turmoil but highlighted the Asia-Pacific region's relative stability. He cautioned, however, against the potential for geopolitical conflicts to engulf the region, emphasizing the importance of strategic choices for ensuring future security and prosperity. He called for collaborative efforts to safeguard the region's well-being.

China, according to Minister Dong, firmly supports ASEAN's central role and the enhancement of existing cooperation frameworks. He opposed "starting from scratch" or forming "small cliques," advocating instead for regional unity and opposing the introduction of bloc politics and confrontation.

Minister Dong reiterated China's unwavering stance on resolving disputes through dialogue and its opposition to actions that provoke conflict, use force, form cliques, or introduce external forces. He emphasized China's commitment to deepening defense and security cooperation, promoting the Global Security Initiative in the region, and building a stronger security community.

Minister Dong stressed the importance of expanding shared maritime interests with ASEAN, engaging in flexible and diverse maritime security cooperation, and enhancing collective capacity to safeguard maritime security. He emphasized the need for such cooperation to contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Prior to the meeting, Minister Dong held discussions with defense leaders from New Zealand, India, and Malaysia, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General. These engagements likely focused on further strengthening bilateral and regional security cooperation.