Chinese general calls for world peace, solidarity

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday called for world solidarity and fairness instead of splits and hegemony, as he told his counterparts from Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific countries that world peace is facing major challenges.

General Wei made the remarks in his speech at the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus held in Cambodia, which brought together defense ministers from ASEAN and its dialogue partners including Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the US.

In the face of major challenges to world peace and development, the right way is to build a community with a shared future for mankind, which is also where the world's future lies, he said, according to a news release by the Ministry of National Defense.

Wei urged all countries to be united rather than divided, fair rather than hegemonic, open rather than closed, and mutually beneficial rather than selfish, so as to jointly shape and maintain a regional order that balances the concerns of all parties and serves their interests.

The senior defense official also said Chinese military's growth and strength will always be in favor of world peace, noting the country is willing to work with the militaries of other countries to continue contributing to world peace.

China does not covet the interests of other countries, but its resolve to defend its own interests is as firm as a rock, the general stressed, reiterating China's position on the Taiwan question.

He said Taiwan is part of China and resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, adding the Chinese military is unyielding, assured, confident and able to defeat any intruders.

Wei pointed out the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region remains stable but with certain concerns. He said at the conference the defense departments of all countries should uphold the centrality of ASEAN, practice the Global Security Initiative, focus on practical cooperation and work together to build a solid barrier for universal security.