China Enhances Strategic Alliances to Redefine Global Security Framework

In a significant move to bolster its influence, China is hosting its annual international security forum in Beijing, marking a strategic effort to redefine global security dynamics. The Xiangshan Forum, which runs from Wednesday to Friday, is anticipated to serve as a platform for China to showcase unity among its allies in response to the US-led global order.

This year's gathering is particularly noteworthy as it is the first since the onset of US President Donald Trump's second term. It represents China's ambition to project power and assert its stance on maintaining a new international order. The Xiangshan Forum is seen as China's counterpart to the Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent annual security meeting held in Singapore that typically attracts high-level officials from Western nations, including the United States.

According to analysts, the differing levels of representation at these forums reflect broader geopolitical preferences. For instance, the US delegation at the Xiangshan Forum is led by a defense attache from its Beijing embassy, a lower-tier representative compared to previous years. The absence of Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun at the Shangri-La Dialogue earlier this year further emphasizes this shift in diplomatic engagement.

Approximately 1,800 participants from around 100 nations, including military officials, scholars, and representatives, are expected to attend the event. Key discussion topics include global security governance, cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and the preservation of the post-war international order. These themes resonate with China's recent endeavors to assert its global standing, as demonstrated by its hosting of other international events, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

At the SCO summit earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged with leaders from Russia, India, and North Korea, signaling a united front to counter US influence. Analysts predict a similar emphasis on security collaboration among China's key allies at the Xiangshan Forum. Observers note that Xi will likely underscore solidarity with nations like Russia, North Korea, and possibly Iran, aiming to present a cohesive opposition to US global dominance.

The forum also seeks to engage countries from the Global South, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brazil, and Nigeria, which are sending higher-ranking defense officials compared to their Western counterparts. This outreach highlights China's narrative of being a mediator for the Global South, with recent engagements with India serving as a focal point. Despite longstanding tensions between India and China stemming from border disputes, recent dialogues suggest a willingness to manage regional security collaboratively.

However, while China promotes a multilateral approach, it has been noted that it often favors bilateral agreements with Global South nations. Analysts anticipate that China may unveil new initiatives or elaborate on proposals made during the SCO summit, although substantial agreements are not expected to materialize immediately.

The Xiangshan Forum also provides insights into the evolving military diplomacy between the US and China. The choice of the US representative underscores that vital discussions may be occurring through less formal channels. In anticipation of the forum, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a conversation with his Chinese counterpart, emphasizing the importance of maintaining military communications and reaffirming respective national interests.

Both leaders expressed their positions regarding territorial disputes and military activities in regions like the South China Sea and Taiwan. While the US maintains that it does not seek conflict with China, it also underscores its critical interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

As China continues to demonstrate its military capabilities, including the movement of its aircraft carrier in strategic waterways, the US and its allies are simultaneously conducting joint military exercises, which China has criticized as escalating tensions in the region. Observers expect Beijing to leverage forums like the Xiangshan to advocate for its peace narrative on various global issues, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine.