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BEIJING, Oct.18 (Xinhuanet) -- The Xiangshan Forum has kicked off here in Beijing Saturday. Around 500 defense officials and scholars are gathering to discuss Asia-Pacific security cooperation.
The attendees are from 49 countries and five international organizations, including the United Nations. The defense ministers of 16 countries, including Malaysia, Cambodia, the Philippines and Indonesia are present at the forum. The United States and Japan have also, for the first time, sent government representatives to the event, which is set to feature discussions on the South China Sea.
The forum was launched by an academic association in 2006 and has been held once every two years from 2006 to 2014. But China has since upgraded the scale of the event, inviting more foreign defense officials and scholars.
Beginning this year, the forum will be held annually. During his address at the event, the Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Fan Changlong called for joint efforts from all Asian countries to tackle challenges in security, and said that China will try its best to avoid unexpected conflicts.
"Asian countries should join hands to handle challenges in security and other fields, and always keep common interests and responsibilities in mind," said Fan Changlong, vice chairman of China central military commission.
"The international community has paid great attention to China's construction on some islands in the South China Sea, feeling the pace of construction is a bit fast. But reclamation has never affected freedom of navigation. China is building on its own territory and will provide better services with upgraded facilities. Even on the issue of territorial sovereignty, we promote dialogue, and will never seek an easy solution by using force. We also strive to avoid sparking an accidental conflict," he said.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
