Beijing Xiangshan Forum: High-level forum on security & defense kicks off in Beijing

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02:23

National and international security concerns are topping the agenda at a three-day event in Beijing. The 8th Beijing Xiangshan Forum kicks off in the Chinese capital with more than 500 representatives from over 70 countries in attendance. The focus is on facing global security challenges together. CGTN's Zheng Yibing has more.

A gathering of world military leaders and scholars.

Chinese National Defense Minister Wei Fenghe reads out a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling all nations to face traditional and non-traditional security challenges together.

WEI FENGHE CHINESE NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER "China is ready to work with other countries in a more open manner to promote development through cooperation and security, and to promote building a community of shared future for mankind."

Wei went on to explain China's military stance in a keynote speech.

He says China will adhere to a defensive military strategy, and keep firm in defending its own national sovereignty and security, like in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

He stressed that China will continue to work with other countries.

This year's forum is the eighth since its inception in 2016.

Four major plenary sessions are being or will be held on International Security Governance, Counter-terrorism, Maritime Security, and U.N. Peacekeeping missions. Expectations are high among participants.

M. SHAHED KARIM FORUM PARTICIPANT "The message will be the friendship in broader respects, the friendship among the countries in the world."

TAMARA HEMPHILL FORUM PARTICIPANT "The more we do, the better off we will be in terms of security."

All participants will express their ideas for solving security issues in front of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large through Friday.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "As China's defense minister says, the forum this year aims to build a new type of security partnership of equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and find solutions for peaceful development together. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Beijing."