China Kicks off Xiangshan Forum Amid Absence of Defence Minister

The Beijing Xiangshan Forum, China’s prominent annual display of military diplomacy, commenced on Sunday, despite the absence of a defense minister who traditionally hosts this event.

China is utilizing the forum to advance President Xi Jinping’s vision for a safer world and to foster closer ties with developing nations, especially in light of heightened coordination between the United States and its allies aimed at constraining China’s military ambitions.

A notable focus at this year’s forum is Russia, which initiated a conflict in Ukraine in 2022. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is prominently featured on the forum’s agenda as the first guest speaker at Monday’s opening ceremony.

The U.S. Department of Defense has dispatched a delegation led by Xanthi Carras, China Country Director in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense.

This year’s forum takes place at an awkward juncture for China, as it lacks a defense minister, a key figure responsible for engaging with foreign militaries.

On Tuesday, Beijing removed its defense minister, Li Shangfu, but did not announce a successor. Reuters previously reported that Li, who had been missing for two months, was under investigation for corruption.

Chinese military leaders of higher rank than the defense minister have stepped in for Li. State media reported that Zhang Youxia and He Weidong, ranking second and third in the military hierarchy, held separate bilateral meetings with the defense ministers of Laos, Mongolia, and Vietnam on Saturday.

Xinhua, the state news agency, reported that this year’s forum has seen the highest number and level of foreign participants, including 22 defense ministers and 14 military chiefs, since the forum’s inception in 2006.

China is particularly focusing on strengthening ties with the Global South. Zhao Yufei, an official with the event organizer, noted that the forum will call on developing countries to oppose bloc confrontation and a “Cold War mentality,” which are frequent criticisms Beijing levels against the West.

For many in the West, concerns about the forum’s openness have led to limited participation or avoidance altogether, with a preference for discussing international security issues at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore. Some European countries, including France, intend to send small delegations from their defense ministries, according to sources familiar with the matter.

NATO’s delegation will be led by Wendin Smith, its security policy director, as confirmed by a NATO official.