CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF ADDRESS 10TH BEIJING XIANGSHAN FORUM IN CHINA

The China Association of Military Science (CAMS) and China Institute of International Strategic Studies (CIISS) co-hosted military platform; ‘10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum’ themed "Common Security, Lasting Peace" held from 29th to 31st October 2023 in Beijing. The forum facilitated discussions on an array of topics, such as major countries' responsibility and global security cooperation, the role of developing countries in global security, Asia-Pacific security architecture, as well as regional security and development. This year's forum was attended by more than 1,800 participants, including 99 official delegations, defence ministers and military chiefs from 19 countries, international organisation representatives, experts, scholars and observers of various countries.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil visited China from 28 October to 02 November 2023 at the invitation extended by General Lu Zhenli, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and Chief of the Joint Staff Department, CMC, the People’s Republic of China to attend and address the ‘10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum’ as a guest speaker.

General Shavendra Silva addressing the forum as a guest speaker on the topic of ‘The Role of Developing Countries in Global Security’, elaborated on the security challenges that are encountered by modern day developing countries such as imbalanced alliances with powerful nations, poverty-led aspects in the society, Mass migration etc. During his address, the CDS also emphasised the vulnerability of developing countries to cybercriminal activities. Highlighting those challenges, General Shavendra Silva stated that win-win solutions that foster stability and cooperation should be encouraged by forming global partnerships. Further, he stated that cooperation and shared responsibility allow developing nations to address global security challenges effectively.

Concluding the address, the CDS highlighted that all nations should be determined to work together to foster a safer and more secure world by correctly recognizing the challenges and capitalizing on opportunities. He also invited the friendly nations to take a hand in building a safer and more prosperous world for generations to come.

The Chinese counterpart, General Lu Zhenli, a member of the CMC and Chief of the Joint Staff Department, CMC thanked the CDS for accepting the invitation to be present at the forum and for the thought provoking address delivered. He further stated that sharing the knowledge blended with experience is an effective mean to transfer the wisdom to the next generations. During the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the CDS also had a number of bilateral discussions with the participating military chiefs and service commanders of the friendly nations.