Key facts
- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun urged countries to cease provocative acts and check the resurgence of regressive historical trends.
- Dong's remarks were likely veiled criticism of Japan.
- The comments were made at the opening of the 20th anniversary Beijing Xiangshan Forum.
- The forum is being held amid regional tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
- The event gathers hundreds of military officers, diplomats, and academics from dozens of countries.
Beijing is hosting the 20th anniversary of the Xiangshan Forum, China's premier defense and security conference. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, in a speech to open the event, urged countries to cease provocative acts and check the resurgence of regressive historical trends, remarks widely interpreted as veiled criticism of Japan.
The forum is taking place amidst heightened regional tensions concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea, and amid growing doubts about traditional U.S. security commitments in Asia. Dong's address called for a fresh, more inclusive approach to solving international tensions, though he offered few specifics or direct criticisms of rivals. He stated, "We must bear the lessons of history in mind and remain highly vigilant against all latent manifestations of hegemony, militarism and historical revisionism." He added, "We must not turn a blind eye or condone such behaviour. By rallying broad-based forces of justice, we must suppress the resurgence of historical dregs."
Ties between China and Japan have been strained, particularly after a Japanese minister's hypothetical suggestion last year that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response. Beijing has repeatedly warned that Japan is seeking a return to its aggressive past. China considers Taiwan, which is democratically governed, its own territory and has increased military pressure around the island.
The three-day event is attended by hundreds of military officers, diplomats, and academics from numerous countries. It is considered a rival to the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore.