Wei urges unity, rejects hegemony
▶ Defense ministers’ gatherings show ASEAN, China have wisdom to resist external interference
In attending the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ MeetingPlus in Cambodia, China’s defense chief on Wednesday called for world solidarity and fairness instead of hegemony and division, and called on countries to practice the Global Security Initiative and work together to build a solid barrier for universal security. He also stressed that the Chinese military’s growth and strength will always be in favor of world peace but the Chinese military has the confidence and capability to defeat any intruders, reaffirming China’s bottom-line on the Taiwan question.
Analysts noted that despite efforts by the US and other external forces to internationalize the Taiwan question, China and ASEAN members have the wisdom to prevent conflicts like that which occurred in Ukraine to happen in Asia.
Under the theme “Solidarity for Harmonized Security,” the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (the 9th ADMMPlus) was held in Cambodia on Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen security, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. Defense ministers from ASEAN and its dialogue partners, including China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, Australia and the US attended the meeting.
While delivering a speech at the 9th ADMM-Plus, Chinese
State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe stressed that as world peace and development faces major challenges, the right way is to build a community with a shared future for mankind, which is also where the world’s future lies.
“We need solidarity not division, fairness not hegemony, openness not blockage, mutual benefit not selfishness,” Wei said, noting countries should jointly shape and maintain a regional order that balances the concerns of all parties and serves their interests.
Observers said that this is Wei’s first overseas visit after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of Communist Party of China (CPC), which highlights that China attaches great importance to ASEAN in the defense and security domains and in bilateral relations. The meeting between China’s defense minister and his ASEAN counterparts is