Forum "Xiangshan": Chinese and Russian Accusations Against the US and the West of "Fomenting Turmoil"

 

   On Monday, China accused the United States of "fomenting global turmoil," while Russia condemned the West's efforts to expand the Ukraine crisis into the Asia-Pacific region. This took place during the "Xiangshan Forum," a military forum hosted by Beijing.

The Xiangshan Forum, initiated by Beijing in response to the "Shangri-La Dialogue" security forum in Singapore, commenced its activities at a time when a series of military tensions around the world were testing geopolitical relations. The Israeli war on Gaza once again highlighted Beijing's efforts to enhance its role as a global peacemaker. Additionally, China's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine has continued to strain relations with Washington.

Chang Yousheng, the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, stated in his opening speech, "Some countries continue to foment turmoil around the world. They deliberately create disruptions, interfere in regional issues, meddle in the internal affairs of other countries, and incite color revolutions," indirectly criticizing the United States.

Chang, 73, is one of the senior officials speculated to be the next Minister of Defense, boasting decades of combat and military experience, having fought in Vietnam.

According to Bloomberg, Chang's remarks come at a time when the United States and China are attempting to stabilize relations before a possible meeting between their respective presidents next month. They highlight the fragility of the relationship between the two superpowers. The agency noted that the Chinese Defense Minister usually inaugurates the Xiangshan Forum, but this did not happen due to disruptions in the country's military leadership, as Li Shangfu was dismissed from the position of Defense Minister earlier this month. Beijing has yet to announce a replacement for Li, who is subject to US sanctions.

Li's dismissal came after the Chinese President dismissed senior military leaders managing the country's nuclear arsenal during the summer.

Russia: The West is Expanding the Ukraine Crisis

Russian state media quoted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying at the Xiangshan Forum that the West "wants to expand the conflict in Ukraine into the Asia-Pacific region."

Shoigu added that NATO is covering up its troop build-up in the Asia-Pacific region by "pretending to desire dialogue," according to the Russian news agency TASS. He stated, "Alliance countries are promoting an arms race in the region, increasing their military presence, and intensifying the scale and scope of military exercises there. Additionally, US forces are exchanging information with Tokyo and Seoul on missile launches to deter Russia and China."

Simultaneously, Shoigu stated that Russia's move to withdraw from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty "does not mean the end of the agreement," adding that Russia "has not reduced the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons."

He pointed out that Moscow is "prepared to conduct post-war settlement talks on the Ukrainian crisis for further coexistence with the West, but Western countries need to stop seeking to strategically defeat Russia."

Shoigu emphasized that the conditions for such talks are not yet ripe, adding that "it is also important to ensure equal relations between all nuclear powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, who bear special responsibility for maintaining global peace and stability."

Days ago, the Russian parliament passed a law withdrawing Moscow's ratification of the international treaty banning nuclear weapons tests. The Federation Council approved the law with 156 votes in favor and none against, following the State Duma's unanimous approval. It will be sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin for signing.

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