During the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus on Thursday, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun emphasized the importance of expanding common maritime interests between the Chinese mainland and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
Dong highlighted the need for joint efforts to advance maritime security cooperation in a flexible and diverse manner, aiming to enhance the collective ability to safeguard maritime security and contribute to both regional and global peace and stability.
He noted that the Asia-Pacific region remains generally stable but cautioned against the risk of being drawn into geopolitical conflicts. Dong called for unified actions to \"protect our beautiful homeland,\" urging ASEAN members and the Chinese mainland to work together to reinforce ASEAN centrality and support the enhancement of existing cooperation frameworks.
Dong also stressed the importance of resolving issues through dialogue, opposing any actions that provoke disputes, resort to force, form cliques, or involve external forces. He called for deepened defense and security cooperation, the promotion of the Global Security Initiative in the region, and the building of a closer security community.
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Dong Jun urges China, ASEAN to expand common maritime interests
cgtn.com
