BEIJING, Sept. 16 -- "This year's Beijing Xiangshan Forum has a wider and more balanced representation, with a total of 1800-plus participants registered," said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press briefing on Tuesday.
According to the spokesperson, official delegations from over 100 countries, regions and international organizations have confirmed attendance to the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, including over 40 ministerial representatives and military chiefs, as well as the Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and the Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
"Handshakes between service members contribute more to peace than the exchange of firing; the chorus of many builds harmony more than the monologue of a single voice," said the spokesperson, adding that in the upcoming "Xiangshan Time", the participants will engage in equal-footed dialogues under the theme of "Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development", discuss peace and security issues, explore solutions to conflicts, strengthen bonds of cooperation and communication, and deliver on the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, so as to walk together towards a brighter future.