As security officials, military leaders and scholars gathered in Singapore for the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, China's representatives used the platform to articulate Beijing's views on some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and growing uncertainty in global governance, the Chinese delegates delivered a consistent message: All countries should embrace a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, practice true multilateralism, firmly uphold the post-war international order, and jointly inject positive energy into global strategic stability.

A call for a fairer global security governance system

One of the most prominent themes in China's participation was the need to reform and strengthen global security governance.

Meng Xiangqing, head of the Chinese People's Liberation Army expert delegation, argued in his speech on Saturday that the world is facing multiple intertwined challenges, including the impact of hegemonism on regional security, rising risks of nuclear conflict, erosion of arms-control mechanisms and growing disorder in global governance.

In response, he highlighted China's Global Security Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, which advocate a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. According to Meng, the initiatives offer Chinese wisdom and solutions to address global challenges while upholding multilateralism and international law.

Former Chinese ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai echoed this view, stressing that no country should pursue absolute security at the expense of others. If some countries seek their own security by undermining the security of others, the end result will be that no one is truly secure, he said.

Meng described strategic stability as a cornerstone of international security and emphasized that the Asia-Pacific should not become an arena for geopolitical rivalry.  

He also called for greater inclusiveness in international decision-making, arguing that developing countries, particularly those in Africa, should enjoy stronger representation and a greater voice in global affairs. He pointed to the expansion of mechanisms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as China's support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) central role in the regional architecture, as examples of efforts to strengthen the role of the Global South.

According to Meng, a more representative and balanced global governance system would better equip the international community to tackle common challenges and safeguard long-term strategic stability.

Strategic stability in China-US relations

China-US relations also emerged as a major topic during the Dialogue.

Following a speech by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a member of the Chinese delegation asked how Washington plans to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state on building a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability." In response, Hegseth said that mutual respect and communication between China and the US are of great importance to maintaining peace in the region and the world at large.

Meng later noted that the strong interest surrounding the question reflected the international community's recognition that stable China-US ties are vital not only for the two countries but also for regional and global peace.

He expressed the hope that the two sides will work together, turn the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into concrete actions, and promote bilateral military ties along a healthy, stable and sustainable track.

Cui likewise noted that the recent leaders' meeting had provided a new orientation for bilateral ties and that both sides should work to translate the consensus into concrete actions.

Meng also noted in his speech that the Taiwan question remains China's red line. "The Taiwan separatist forces and the Taiwan Strait peace cannot accommodate each other. If we want to safeguard the peace of the Taiwan Strait, we should oppose the Taiwan separatist forces. This is our red line. There is no room for compromise or negotiation."

Talking to CGTN, Cui reiterated that the Taiwan question is China's domestic affairs and China's reunification will be achieved. "We are determined to do that."

Upholding the post-war international order

Another message delivered by the Chinese delegation was the importance of safeguarding the post-World War II international order.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the opening of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, Meng questioned Japan's qualification to speak about defense cooperation and warned against attempts to whitewash aggression and distort the history of World War II.

"Can a country that has never fully eradicated the remnants of militarism truly claim the moral authority to lecture others about defense cooperation on the international stage? Can it earn the trust of the international community, especially the Asian countries that once suffered under its aggression? I have serious doubts," he said.

He called on the international community to remain vigilant against any resurgence of militarism and firmly uphold the outcomes of the war and the international order established thereafter.

The remarks underscored China's long-standing call to uphold the correct view of the history of World War II, defend the outcomes of World War II, and safeguard the post-war international order as a foundation for greater stability and certainty in an increasingly turbulent world.

Managing nuclear and emerging technology risks

The Chinese delegation also highlighted the need to strengthen arms-control cooperation and reduce strategic risks.

Meng, in his speech, pointed to China's proposal for negotiations among the five nuclear-weapon states on a treaty pledging "mutual no-first-use of nuclear weapons," describing it as an important step toward reducing nuclear dangers.

At the same time, he urged countries to address challenges arising from emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and prevent a regulatory vacuum in military applications.

China, he noted, supports international efforts to establish rules and eventually legally binding frameworks governing the military use of AI.

Safeguarding maritime security

On maritime security, another issue drawing global attention, Cui expressed China's concern over disruptions affecting international shipping routes.

As one of the world's largest trading nations and the biggest trading partner of more than 100 countries, China has a strong interest in maintaining safe and stable sea lanes. Cui said China is actively working to help restore normalcy and ensure the security of international maritime routes.