Beijing Hosts Forum on Global Security Collaboration for Foreign Military Representatives
Summary
China's Ministry of National Defense organized a two-day international security cooperation seminar in Beijing, bringing together foreign military attachés stationed in China alongside representatives from international organizations' local offices. This marked the fourth iteration of this recurring seminar, which was hosted at the International College of Defense Studies within the People's Liberation Army National Defense University. The event featured themed presentations and expert-led discussions delivered by officials from both Chinese civilian and military institutions, with a central focus on strengthening international military cooperation. Participants were also taken on a visit to a Chinese civilian internet company, broadening the seminar's scope beyond purely military affairs. According to ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang, the overarching goals of the seminar were to build mutual understanding, foster friendship, and advance meaningful cooperative relationships between China and international partners.
Key Takeaways
- 1. China is actively institutionalizing military diplomacy through recurring structured seminars, now in their fourth edition, signaling a long-term strategic commitment to international defense engagement
- 2. Hosting foreign military attachés at the PLA National Defense University reflects China's intent to project soft power and shape foreign military perceptions of Chinese defense capabilities
- 3. The inclusion of civilian internet company visits suggests China is deliberately blending civil-military integration messaging into its international outreach efforts
- 4. The seminar format combining presentations and open discussions indicates China's strategic interest in establishing itself as a constructive multilateral security partner
- 5. The event serves as a transparency and confidence-building measure, potentially aimed at countering Western narratives about Chinese military opacity and regional security concerns