Xiangshan forum helps smaller nations speak up

Given the record number of star-studded attendees and the pressing security-related topics discussed, this year's Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which ended last week, was arguably the most relevant and important one since its launch in 2006, experts have said.

Senior Colonel Zhao Xiaozhuo, director of the forum's secretariat office, said the scope and scale of the event has greatly expanded in recent years due to its tighter focus on current international situations and its inclusive environment for dialogue.

The Xiangshan forum was created on the principles of equality, openness, inclusiveness and mutual learning 13 years ago. It is sponsored by the China Association for Military Science of the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Science, and the China Institute for International Strategic Studies.

Based on the theme of "Maintaining International Order and Promoting Peace in the Asia-Pacific", this year's forum, from Oct 20 to 22, featured four major topics: big nation relations and global order; Asia-Pacific security risks and management; interests and joint security of small and medium-sized countries; and international arms control mechanisms and global stability.

The panel discussions featured security topics including counterterrorism, maritime security, Asia-Pacific security architecture and the use of artificial intelligence in future warfare.

Among the more than 1,300 attendees were 23 defense ministers and 76 formal delegations from various countries and international organizations, according to forum organizers.

President Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory letter to the forum, saying that maintaining lasting peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific is in the common interest of all countries and regions in the area.

Senior Colonel Jiang Xinfeng, a researcher from the PLA academy, said when the forum first started it only had around 60 attendees from 14 countries.

"It was more like a round-table discussion than a full forum," Jiang said. "But now, the forum is full of friends and noted guests. This not only reflects our nation's growing capability, but also proves that our defense policies are becoming more understood and accepted by the international community."