Xinhua News Agency reported that on Wednesday (September 16), Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun delivered a speech lasting about 20 minutes at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, calling for multilateralism to uphold stability amid global turbulence and transformation, urging major powers to take the lead in responsibility and smaller nations to actively contribute. He also emphasized the need to remain highly vigilant against any latent forms of hegemonism, militarism, and historical revisionism. The overall tone of the speech was moderate—neither explicitly criticizing the United States nor its regional allies, nor mentioning the Taiwan issue or disputes in the South China Sea.
The omission of the Taiwan issue and South China Sea disputes is not an evasion, nor an intentional downplaying, but rather reflects greater confidence and strategic composure in safeguarding our core interests.
Last year, at the same event, Minister Dong had taken a firm stance: “We will never allow any ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist schemes to succeed,” while refraining from directly criticizing U.S. and Philippine provocations in the South China Sea. This year, he instead emphasized multilateralism and the responsibility of major powers, while warning of the “evolution” of hegemonism, militarism, and historical revisionism. This shift in rhetoric reveals a clear strategic assessment: control over the Taiwan issue and South China Sea matters lies firmly in our hands. There is no need to loudly reiterate these positions at every international forum. When strength is sufficient, words are not required; when red lines are clear, they must not be blurred.
Notably, although “militarism” and “historical revisionism” were not named outright, their target is unmistakable—Japan’s Kishida administration has repeatedly crossed red lines on issues concerning Taiwan and history, accelerated military expansion, and sped up militarization of Okinawa. By using the term “evolution,” Minister Dong issued a clear warning—not only to Japan’s right-wing forces, but also as a reminder to regional countries.
The transition from a forceful statement to a more measured tone reflects the mainland’s enhanced ability to manage the situation across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. When power is strong enough to deter, language can become calm and confident. Not mentioning Taiwan precisely indicates that the Taiwan issue has now entered a phase where it is being handled according to our own rhythm. Confidence and composure carry far more weight than loud declarations.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876503819234439/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.