Chinese Defense Minister Urges Stronger Unity To Avoid 'Rimba Law'

Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun. (Wikimedia Commons/DoD/Chad J. McNeeley)

JAKARTA - Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun praised Beijing's efforts to reshuffle global governance, warning Thursday of an increasingly divided world "defined by jungle law", saying the country's strong military would be a power of peace.

The statement comes amid heated tensions between China and the United States and its allies and partners over hotspots in East Asia, including Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as broader economic competition under President Donald Trump.

When opening Beijing's Xiangshan Forum on security officially, Dong Jun said the world was at a crossroads overshadowed by Cold War, hegemony and protectionism thought, having to choose dialogue over confrontation.

"External military interventions, seeking territory of influence, and forcing others to take sides will bring the international community into chaos," Admiral Dong said.

His remarks insinuated the United States covertly and appear more aggressive than his speech at last year's forums, particularly over topics such as tensions over democratically-ruled Taiwan.

"Obsession to absolute superiority in military force and the 'strong one is right' approach will lead to a divided world defined by jungle rules and chaos," he explained.

"The strong Chinese military will be a power of peace," he added.

Defense Minister Dong's remarks followed President Xi Jinping's recent speeches against "hegemonism and power politics" and this month's major military parade in Beijing showing off a number of new weapons.

While saying China is open to doing its part in enforcing the international order, Admiral Dong added, the People's Liberation Army will never allow Taiwan's "separatist" efforts to succeed.

"Taiwan's return to China is an integral part of the postwar international order," he said, adding that Beijing was ready "to thwart external military interference at any time".

It is known, China claims Taiwan as its territory and has never abandoned the use of force to seize it.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and his government strongly oppose Chinese sovereignty claims, saying the island's people themselves determine their future.

The forum, which was attended by some 1,800 officials, military personnel, and scholars from 100 countries, was held after a series of diplomacy between Washington and Beijing ahead of a possible summit of their leaders at the end of the year.

Admiral Dong spoke with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by phone last week in their first direct exchange, while President Xi and President Trump are expected to speak by telephone on Friday.