China Reaffirms Commitment to South China Sea Peace and Regional Stability

Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun on Friday reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Southeast Asian nations to safeguard lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea through practical and cooperative measures.

Speaking at the 15th China–ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, which he co-chaired with Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Dong said that defense ties between China and ASEAN have continued to grow stronger under the strategic direction of their leaders. This partnership, he noted, has become an essential foundation for regional security and stability.

Dong emphasized that in an era marked by complex global challenges and regional turbulence, China and ASEAN must continue to serve as “anchors of stability.” He said both sides should build on their tradition of unity and mutual respect to jointly create a more peaceful and resilient regional environment.

“China stands ready to work hand in hand with ASEAN partners to maintain stability, pursue mutual trust, and build a stronger shield for common security,” Dong said. “We believe that through win-win cooperation and mutual understanding, we can enhance our collective capacity to address evolving security challenges.”

According to a statement released by China’s Ministry of National Defense, the meeting resulted in a joint decision to hold the second China–ASEAN joint maritime exercise in 2027, underscoring both sides’ shared commitment to strengthening defense cooperation and maritime security coordination.

Dong highlighted that China’s defense policy toward ASEAN is guided by the spirit of partnership and inclusiveness. He said Beijing will continue to support ASEAN’s central role in the regional security framework and advance the goal of building a China–ASEAN community with a shared future, one grounded in trust, dialogue, and peaceful development.

Defense leaders from ASEAN countries praised the steady progress of China–ASEAN relations and acknowledged China’s consistent respect for ASEAN’s centrality. They expressed readiness to deepen defense and security cooperation, enhance communication, and jointly uphold peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Dong also held bilateral discussions with defense ministers from the United States, New Zealand, and Thailand, further emphasizing China’s openness to dialogue and constructive engagement with global and regional partners.