In a bold address, China’s defense minister highlighted Beijing’s ambitions to reform global governance structures, cautioning against an increasingly fractured world order dominated by ‘the rule of the jungle.’ While addressing simmering tensions with the United States over Taiwan and the South China Sea, he positioned China’s military strength as a potential stabilizing force.

The statements were part of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, where regional leaders grappled with managing geopolitical rivalries responsibly. Malaysia and Singapore’s defense ministers echoed concerns over regional peace, urging all parties to respect international laws to settle disputes peacefully, particularly in the volatile South China Sea region.

Amid ongoing dialogues between the US and China, efforts continue to defuse broader economic tensions, underscored by recent agreements over the future ownership of TikTok. However, analysts remain skeptical of significant military engagement, pointing out a lack of understanding between the two superpowers as they navigate future relations.