Our reporter Zhao Yunfei also had the chance to sit down with Lieutenant General He Lei - the former Vice President of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences. He is attending the three-day Beijing Xiangshan Forum.
The theme of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum is "Common Security, Lasting Peace", focusing on the Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Delegations from more than 90 countries and international organizations are discussing security cooperation. I think this is a practical action to promote the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind in the field of international security.
ZHAO YUNFEI, CGTN Reporter: The Beijing Xiangshan Forum has covered some important international issues. As the Israel-Palestine conflict escalates, China is calling for a ceasefire and an end to the violence. But some countries appear to hold the opposite view. What's your view on the logic behind the opposition to a truce in the conflict?
HE LEI, PLA Lieutenant General: The Palestine-Israel conflict has a complex historical background and practical causes. Our attitude towards the conflict can be summarized in three points. First, we insist on resolving territorial disputes through peaceful negotiation. Second, we firmly oppose the escalation of war. Third, we resolutely oppose some countries with ulterior motives to add fuel to the fire, create bias, and stir up trouble. I just want to ask these countries. Do you want war or peace between Palestine and Israel? Do you want the world to be peaceful or to be in chaos? Do you want to maintain allies or maintain stability and security?
ZHAO YUNFEI, CGTN Reporter: The Philippines has recently made frequent provocations in China's South China Sea. China has been saying that some countries outside the region are interfering in the South China Sea issue. The United States has also voiced support for the Philippines. How should the South China Sea be discussed at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum?
HE LEI, PLA Lieutenant General: How to resolve these differences and disputes? Our attitude is two-fold. First, we should abide by the signed Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that is being actively promoted, and adopt the "dual-track approach" to resolve the issue through peaceful negotiations. Second, we should firmly oppose intervention by countries outside the region. The United States is provoking trouble and causing instability in the South China Sea. I would like to tell the Philippine authorities: First, do not follow the arrogance of the United States. This is a misjudgment of the current situation. Second, do not underestimate the firm determination and strong will of the Chinese people to resolutely defend their national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
ZHAO YUNFEI, CGTN Reporter: Representatives from the United States are attending the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. As a Chinese military expert delegate, what signal do you want to send to your American colleagues?
HE LEI, PLA Lieutenant General: Regardless of their titles and the number of people, U.S. officials and scholars are all our guests, and we warmly welcome them. As an expert representative of the Chinese military, I would also like to say a few words to the American representatives, especially on the issue of Sino-US military relations. First, we must fully understand the extreme importance of the relationship between our two militaries. The military-to-military relationship between China and the United States is an important part of the relationship between the two countries. It should make a positive contribution to maintain world peace and stability. Second, I believe that the important consensus reached by the heads of state of China and the United States should be effectively implemented. Third, the United States must resolutely correct any behavior that interferes with China's internal affairs and undermines China's core interests, especially when it comes to the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue. When it comes to China's core interests, the U.S. should correct its wrongdoings and guarantee that it will not interfere in China's internal affairs again in the future. Only in this way can the relationship between the Chinese and American militaries be able to go back to the normal track.
