More than 120 defence officials, scholars and representatives from over 40 countries and international organisations gathered in Beijing on Friday for the Xiangshan Forum Navigator Meeting, a preparatory dialogue ahead of the main security forum scheduled for later this year.
The meeting, jointly organised by the China Association for Military Science and the China Institute for International Strategic Studies, serves as a prelude to the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which will convene in the autumn.
Participants from countries including Brazil, Germany, France, and Russia are engaging in roundtable discussions on key global security issues. The agenda includes debates on the international order and rule of law, emerging security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, shared responsibilities in global security, and governance of military applications of emerging technologies.
Organisers said the gathering reflects growing international interest in structured dialogue on security concerns amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change.
This year’s meeting carries added significance as it marks the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. A special commemorative session has been planned to evaluate the forum’s role over two decades in fostering dialogue, building consensus, and narrowing differences among participating states.
The forum is widely viewed as part of China’s broader efforts to promote multilateral security dialogue and engagement on global governance issues in the defence sector.