Image Credit: Global Times
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum is hosting a delegation from the U.S. Department of Defence, marking a notable development in military relations between the two nations. Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), emphasised the importance of this interaction during a Global Times interview on Thursday, held on the sidelines of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.
The forum, an annual event dedicated to security and peace discussions, is being attended by Michael Chase, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the United States. This visit is significant as Chase’s role surpasses that of the U.S. representative who participated in the previous year’s forum, highlighting an increase in the level of engagement.
Lieutenant General He Lei stated that maintaining open channels of communication between the two militaries is crucial for avoiding misjudgements and effectively managing differences and risks. He also conveyed hopes that the U.S. delegation would benefit from their participation and contribute positively to the enhancement of friendly relations between the two armed forces.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum has consistently centred its themes around peace and security for the past four sessions, underscoring its role in fostering dialogue and cooperation in the international security landscape. The presence of a high-ranking U.S. official at this year’s forum reflects a commitment to strengthening military ties and addressing mutual concerns through constructive dialogue.
As the forum continues, the international community will be observing how this engagement influences U.S.-China military relations and whether it leads to tangible progress in mitigating regional tensions.