Military delegates arrive for a plenary session of the National People’s Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AP

Stability comes first: Chinese defence chief signals Beijings strategic caution

The Chinese defence minister has signalled strategic caution with his call for the country to “shape” a stable environment for Beijing’s broader political and diplomatic agenda, according to analysts. Dong Jun made the call on Friday during a group discussion involving military and armed police lawmakers at the country’s annual legislative gathering in Beijing. According…

The Chinese defence minister has signalled strategic caution with his call for the country to “shape” a stable environment for Beijing’s broader political and diplomatic agenda, according to analysts.

Dong Jun made the call on Friday during a group discussion involving military and armed police lawmakers at the country’s annual legislative gathering in Beijing.

According to meeting minutes released to the media, Dong stressed four times in his fewer than 400-word remarks that the military’s tasks were to “stabilise” the situation – more mentions than building military capabilities and maintaining combat readiness.

“Efforts should be made to shape a secure and stable internal and external environment and safeguard the period of strategic opportunity,” said Dong, who is also a People’s Liberation Army deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC).

“[The military] should stabilise the situation and shape the momentum … serve the broader political and diplomatic agenda, conduct resolute and effective struggle, stabilise and manage the situation effectively, and firmly grasp the strategic initiative,” he added.

Military delegates arrive for a plenary session of the National People’s Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AP
Military delegates arrive for a plenary session of the National People’s Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AP

“Period of strategic opportunity” is a political slogan referring to a historical window when external conditions are favourable for national development and to build power. In 2002, former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin declared that China could enjoy about two decades of strategic opportunity.

Similar Posts