Distinguished Guests,
Comrades and Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to be gathered with all friends, old and new, here at the foot of the Xiangshan Mountain in the lovely season of autumn in Beijing, where the color of famous maple leaves is particularly bright this year. Twenty days ago, we held grand celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing. Two days ago, we hosted the opening ceremony of the 7th CISM Military World Games and celebrated peace in Wuhan. It is in such a festive atmosphere that you are honoring us by attending the 9th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. I express our sincere congratulations on the opening of the forum and our very warm welcome to all of you.
Since its inception in 2006, Beijing Xiangshan Forum has developed into a premium global security dialogue platform. This is the ninth time for us to hold the forum. Pronounced Jiu in Chinese language, nine sounds the same with the Chinese character meaning longevity. As the biggest unit digit, nine also implies the crowning of achievements and the beginning of a new journey. It symbolizes further improvement and innovation. Indeed, it can be said that with record high level of attendance and number of participants this year, Beijing Xiangshan Forum has reached a new starting point. As we embrace the future, we must also stay true to our founding mission.
This forum will remain an open platform. Security dialogue should not be closed or exclusive; rather, it should be open and win-win. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, near or far, are all welcome to join us and speak out. I want to assure you that your voice will be heard.
This forum will remain an inclusive platform. Diversity in culture, social system, and national condition naturally creates diversified views on security. On this platform, all views are welcomed and can be discussed in an equal and rational way. We agree to disagree with full understanding and respect to each other. We should rise above arrogance and prejudice, put aside differences for broader consensus and forge ahead side by side.
This forum will remain a platform for mutual learning. Countries differ in their strength and weak points. They have their own experience and ways to develop their defense and militaries, and build defense and security mechanisms. On this platform, we, from various countries and regions, can engage in extensive exchanges in multiple fields to draw on each other’s strength.
This forum will remain a platform for cooperation. No country can benefit from pursuing a beggar-thy-neighbor approach, while cooperation on an equal footing delivers mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. This platform is for dialogue, not confrontation. We should reject the zero-sum game and the law of jungle. We should put our heads together, enhance mutual trust and endeavor to build a community with a shared future for mankind through cooperation.
Beijing Xiangshan Forum is guided by the vision of openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning and cooperation, a vision that is very much part of the Chinese culture and that echoes perfectly the picturesque scenery of the Xiangshan Mountain. The mountain is high because it is built on heaps of earth. The maple leaves are red because they are tempered in the cold. The woods are colorful because they consist of a rich variety of trees. This is the appeal of the Xiangshan Mountain and the spirit of the Forum.
Distinguished Guests,
Comrades and friends,
The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. It is tested by both turbulence and change, and blessed with the hope for peace and development. The Asia-Pacific is the most dynamic region in the world economy, with the greatest potential and vitality. Meanwhile, the region is also confronted with various security risks. Like never before, the region is the focus of global attention. Like never before, the region exerts huge impact on global development. Facing the great advances, major transformation and profound changes, what kind of Asia-Pacific and the world do we find ourselves in?
The Asia-Pacific needs a peaceful environment. Since the advent of modern times, many countries in our region have suffered immensely from wars and turmoil, leaving traumatic memories among us. The Asia-Pacific owes its tremendous progress in recent years to a fairly peaceful and stable international and regional order. Having lifted themselves from misery and embraced stability and prosperity, the countries and peoples in our region all cherish peace, value a peaceful environment and long for enduring peace.
The world needs a stable Asia-Pacific. Home to 40% of the world’s population, our region is playing a central and driving role in global economy and development with its contribution of 50% of total trade volume and 60% of the economic aggregate. I am sure that you will agree with me that global stability and prosperity hinges on what happens in the Asia-Pacific, and regional stability is in itself a contribution to world peace and development. Therefore, we are bound to safeguard regional peace and stability.
Peace and stability call for more dialogue and cooperation. History has repeatedly proved that confrontation, be it a cold war, hot war or trade war, leads us nowhere and sees no winner. There are no problems or difficulties that cannot be solved when countries meet each other halfway, treat each other with respect, enhance dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation, and avoid confrontation, miscalculation and hostility.
Distinguished Guests,
Comrades and Friends,
As a founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of the Security Council, China always upholds the international order with the UN at its core, supports and implements multilateralism, and strives for peace, development and win-win cooperation. China will continue to build world peace, contribute to global development and maintain the international order.
We have offered China’s approach. President Xi Jinping has put forth the initiative of building a community with a shared future for mankind, calling for all countries to jointly build an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.
We have fulfilled China’s responsibility. Facing intricate security issues, we have always advocated a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, shouldered due responsibilities as a major country, and sought common security interests to the greatest extent possible, both for ourselves and for the others.
We have made China’s contributions. China has been actively involved as a major participant in the UN peacekeeping operations, international HADR efforts and vessel protection operations, and provided growing public security goods to the international community. No matter how strong it becomes, the Chinese military will remain a force for peace and justice.
Distinguished Guests,
Comrades and Friends,
The theme of this year’s Beijing Xiangshan Forum is Maintaining International Order and Promoting Peace in the Asia-Pacific. I look forward to your vision and insights on the prospect of world peace, and hope that you will contribute your wisdom and strength to peace and tranquility in the Asia-Pacific and the world.
Now I would like to propose a toast
To the bright future of the Asia-Pacific and the world,
To the full success of the 9th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, and
To the health of all of you, our distinguished guests, and your families.
Cheers!