On September 18, 2025, China's Defense Minister, Dong Jun, delivered a compelling address at the 11th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, urging nations worldwide to foster greater unity and cooperation to prevent a global descent into a chaotic "law of the jungle." Speaking to an audience of military leaders, diplomats, and defense experts from over 100 countries, Dong emphasized the need for collective security frameworks and multilateral cooperation to address the mounting challenges facing the international community. His remarks come at a time of heightened global tensions, with conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region underscoring the fragility of the current world order.
The Xiangshan Forum: A Platform for Global Security Dialogue
The Xiangshan Forum, often described as China's answer to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, has grown in prominence since its inception in 2006. Held annually in Beijing, the forum serves as a platform for high-level discussions on global security, offering a space for countries to articulate their defense policies, address regional tensions, and explore avenues for cooperation. Unlike Western-led security forums, the Xiangshan Forum is perceived as a venue where China can shape the narrative on global security, particularly from a perspective that aligns with its strategic interests.
This year’s forum, held from September 12 to 14, 2025, was particularly significant given the backdrop of escalating geopolitical rivalries. The ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its third year, has strained relations between Russia and NATO, while tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait continue to challenge stability in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, the Israel-Hamas conflict and its broader regional ramifications have added complexity to the global security landscape. Against this backdrop, Dong’s speech was a clarion call for unity, but it also carried subtle undertones of China’s vision for a multipolar world order—one that challenges the dominance of Western-led institutions.
Dong Jun’s Core Message: Unity Over Chaos
In his keynote address, Dong warned that the world risked sliding into a state of disorder characterized by the "law of the jungle," where might makes right and weaker nations are left vulnerable to the whims of more powerful states. "In a world full of uncertainties, only by strengthening unity and cooperation can we avoid the chaos of the law of the jungle," Dong stated, according to a Reuters report summarizing his remarks. He argued that global challenges, such as territorial disputes, economic instability, and emerging threats like cyberattacks and climate change, require collective action rather than unilateral approaches.
Dong’s invocation of the "law of the jungle" metaphor was deliberate, evoking a world where raw power determines outcomes, devoid of rules or mutual respect. This imagery resonates with China’s long-standing critique of what it perceives as a Western-dominated international system that marginalizes the interests of developing nations. By framing unity as the antidote to chaos, Dong positioned China as a proponent of a more inclusive global order, one that prioritizes multilateral institutions like the United Nations and regional frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
China’s Vision for Global Security
Dong’s speech was not merely a call for cooperation but also a subtle articulation of China’s broader strategic vision. He emphasized the importance of "mutual respect" and "win-win cooperation," principles that are central to China’s foreign policy doctrine. These concepts are rooted in the idea that nations should respect each other’s sovereignty and pursue development models that suit their unique circumstances, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach often associated with Western liberal democracy.
This vision aligns with China’s advocacy for a multipolar world, where power is distributed among multiple global players rather than concentrated in the hands of a single hegemon—namely, the United States. In recent years, China has sought to position itself as a leader of the Global South, championing the interests of developing nations through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). The GSI, introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2022, calls for a new security architecture that prioritizes dialogue over confrontation and collective security over zero-sum competition.
At the Xiangshan Forum, Dong reiterated the principles of the GSI, arguing that global security cannot be achieved through military alliances or the imposition of sanctions, which he described as tools of coercion. Instead, he advocated for dialogue, mutual trust, and respect for sovereignty as the foundations of a stable world order. This stance reflects China’s broader critique of U.S.-led alliances like NATO and AUKUS, which Beijing views as mechanisms to contain its rise.
The Geopolitical Context: A World at a Crossroads
Dong’s speech must be understood in the context of the current geopolitical landscape, which is marked by profound uncertainty. The war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has not only reshaped Europe’s security architecture but also deepened divisions between the West and a loose coalition of non-Western powers, including China, Russia, and Iran. While China has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, its "no-limits" partnership with Russia has raised concerns in Western capitals about Beijing’s long-term intentions.
In the Indo-Pacific, tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea remain flashpoints. The United States has strengthened its alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, while also increasing its military presence in the region. China, in response, has bolstered its naval capabilities and conducted large-scale military exercises to assert its claims in disputed waters. Dong’s call for unity can be seen as an attempt to counterbalance these developments by appealing to nations wary of being drawn into a U.S.-China rivalry.
Moreover, the global economy is grappling with challenges that exacerbate security concerns. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and energy shortages have strained relations between nations, while climate change poses an existential threat that requires unprecedented levels of international cooperation. Dong’s speech acknowledged these interconnected challenges, emphasizing that no single nation can address them in isolation.
Historical Parallels and the "Law of the Jungle"
The phrase "law of the jungle" has historical resonance, evoking periods of global disorder where power dynamics dictated international relations. One can draw parallels to the interwar period of the 1930s, when the collapse of the League of Nations and the rise of aggressive militarism led to World War II. Dong’s warning serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold a rules-based order, even as China’s interpretation of that order differs from the West’s.
Historically, China’s own experience with the "law of the jungle" informs its perspective. The "century of humiliation" from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, during which China was subjected to foreign invasions and unequal treaties, remains a powerful narrative in Beijing’s foreign policy. This historical memory fuels China’s determination to assert its sovereignty and prevent a return to an era where stronger powers could dominate weaker ones.
In this context, Dong’s speech can be seen as both a warning and a strategic maneuver. By invoking the specter of a chaotic world order, he seeks to rally support for China’s vision of global governance—one that prioritizes sovereignty, non-interference, and multilateralism over unilateral actions or military alliances.
Regional Dynamics and China’s Role
Dong’s remarks also addressed regional security dynamics, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. The South China Sea, where China claims vast swathes of territory disputed by countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, remains a contentious issue. In recent years, China has militarized artificial islands and increased its naval patrols, prompting criticism from the United States and its allies. Dong defended China’s actions, arguing that they are necessary to safeguard its territorial integrity and maritime rights.
On Taiwan, Dong reiterated China’s unwavering stance that the island is an inalienable part of its territory. He called for dialogue to resolve tensions but warned against foreign interference, a clear reference to the United States, which has increased arms sales to Taiwan and conducted freedom-of-navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait. Dong’s emphasis on unity can be interpreted as an appeal to regional neighbors to avoid aligning too closely with Washington, which Beijing accuses of stoking tensions.
China’s growing influence in the Global South also featured prominently in Dong’s speech. He highlighted Beijing’s contributions to peacekeeping missions, disaster relief, and development aid, positioning China as a responsible global power. For instance, China is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping operations, with over 2,000 personnel deployed in missions across Africa and the Middle East. This contrasts with the United States, which provides fewer peacekeepers but dominates in terms of financial contributions to the UN.
The Role of Multilateral Institutions
A key theme of Dong’s speech was the importance of multilateral institutions in maintaining global stability. He praised the United Nations as a cornerstone of international cooperation but called for reforms to make it more representative of the Global South. This aligns with China’s long-standing advocacy for a greater voice for developing nations in global governance, a position shared by countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa.
Dong also highlighted regional organizations like the SCO and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as models for cooperative security. The SCO, which includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian states, has expanded its focus from counterterrorism to broader security and economic cooperation. ASEAN, meanwhile, has sought to balance relations with both China and the United States, navigating the complexities of great-power competition in Southeast Asia.
By championing multilateralism, Dong sought to contrast China’s approach with what Beijing perceives as the unilateralism of the United States. For example, the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017 and the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 were widely criticized as examples of America prioritizing its interests over global cooperation. China, by contrast, has sought to portray itself as a defender of multilateral agreements, even as it faces criticism for its actions in the South China Sea and its human rights record.
Challenges to Unity: Trust Deficits and Power Rivalries
While Dong’s call for unity is compelling, achieving it in practice is fraught with challenges. One major obstacle is the trust deficit between major powers. The United States and China, as the world’s two largest economies and military powers, are engaged in a strategic competition that spans trade, technology, and ideology. The U.S. views China’s rise as a challenge to its global leadership, while China accuses the U.S. of attempting to suppress its development.
This rivalry manifests in various domains. In technology, the U.S. has imposed restrictions on Chinese companies like Huawei, citing national security concerns. In trade, tariffs and sanctions have strained economic ties. In the military sphere, both countries are investing heavily in advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence. These developments raise the risk of miscalculation, particularly in flashpoints like the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea.
Moreover, regional powers like India and Japan are wary of China’s growing influence. India, for instance, has strengthened its security ties with the United States through the Quad, a strategic dialogue that also includes Japan and Australia. Japan, meanwhile, has bolstered its defense capabilities in response to China’s assertiveness in the East China Sea. These dynamics complicate China’s efforts to build a united front against a "law of the jungle" world order.
The Global South and China’s Outreach
Dong’s speech also underscored China’s outreach to the Global South, a diverse group of nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that have historically been marginalized in global decision-making. China has invested heavily in these regions through the BRI, which has funded infrastructure projects in countries like Pakistan, Kenya, and Ethiopia. While the initiative has been criticized for creating debt traps, it has also provided much-needed investment in areas neglected by Western donors.
In the security domain, China has expanded its engagement through arms sales, military training, and joint exercises. For example, China has conducted naval drills with countries like Pakistan and South Africa, signaling its intent to play a larger role in maritime security. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build alliances and counterbalance Western influence.
However, China’s outreach is not without challenges. Some countries, particularly in Africa, have expressed concerns about the environmental and social impacts of Chinese-funded projects. Others, like India, view China’s growing presence with suspicion, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. Dong’s call for unity will need to address these concerns if China hopes to build a broad coalition of support.
The Role of Emerging Technologies
Another dimension of Dong’s speech was the role of emerging technologies in shaping global security. He highlighted the risks posed by cyberattacks, artificial intelligence, and autonomous weapons, which could exacerbate instability if not governed by international norms. China has been a vocal advocate for global rules on cybersecurity, proposing initiatives like the Global Data Security Initiative to counter what it sees as U.S. dominance in the digital realm.
At the same time, China is investing heavily in these technologies to bolster its military capabilities. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has made significant strides in developing AI-driven systems, hypersonic missiles, and quantum communication technologies. These advancements are part of China’s broader goal of achieving military modernization by 2035, as outlined in its national defense strategy.
Dong’s emphasis on cooperation in managing emerging technologies reflects a recognition that no single country can address these challenges alone. However, competition in this domain is fierce, with the U.S., China, and Russia all vying for technological supremacy. Establishing trust and shared norms will be critical to preventing a technological arms race that could destabilize the global order.
Hypothetical Scenarios: The Path to Unity or Chaos
To understand the stakes of Dong’s call for unity, it is worth considering hypothetical scenarios for the future of global security. In one scenario, nations heed Dong’s call and strengthen multilateral institutions to address shared challenges. The UN could be reformed to give greater representation to the Global South, while regional organizations like ASEAN and the SCO could play a larger role in mediating conflicts. In this scenario, dialogue and cooperation prevail, reducing the risk of major-power conflict.
In a less optimistic scenario, great-power rivalries intensify, leading to a fragmented world order. The U.S. and China could become locked in a new Cold War, with smaller nations forced to choose sides. Regional conflicts in places like Taiwan or the South China Sea could escalate, drawing in multiple powers and destabilizing the global economy. Emerging technologies, if left unregulated, could exacerbate these tensions, leading to a true "law of the jungle" where power determines outcomes.
A middle path is also possible, where cooperation and competition coexist. Nations could collaborate on issues like climate change and pandemics while continuing to compete in trade and technology. This scenario would require careful diplomacy to manage tensions and prevent miscalculations. Dong’s speech, with its emphasis on dialogue and mutual respect, suggests that China is open to this path, but it will require reciprocity from other powers, particularly the United States.
Implications for Global Governance
Dong’s speech has significant implications for the future of global governance. By calling for unity and multilateralism, China is positioning itself as a leader in shaping the international order. However, its vision of governance—one that emphasizes sovereignty and non-interference—differs from the liberal internationalist model championed by the West. This tension will likely define the global debate on governance in the coming decades.
For the United States and its allies, Dong’s remarks are a reminder of China’s growing influence and its ability to rally support among developing nations. The West will need to engage constructively with the Global South, addressing concerns about economic inequality and historical grievances, to counter China’s narrative. At the same time, China must address criticisms of its own actions, particularly in the South China Sea and on human rights, to build credibility as a global leader.
For smaller nations, Dong’s speech offers both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, China’s emphasis on multilateralism and respect for sovereignty resonates with countries wary of great-power dominance. On the other hand, navigating the U.S.-China rivalry requires careful balancing to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In his address at the Xiangshan Forum, China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun issued a powerful call for global unity to prevent a descent into a "law of the jungle" world order. His remarks reflect China’s broader strategic vision of a multipolar world where cooperation, mutual respect, and multilateralism prevail over unilateralism and power politics. At a time of profound global challenges—from ongoing conflicts to emerging technologies—Dong’s message underscores the urgency of collective action.
However, achieving unity in a divided world is no small task. Trust deficits, power rivalries, and competing visions of governance pose significant obstacles. China’s own actions, particularly in the South China Sea and Taiwan, will be scrutinized as it seeks to lead by example. For the international community, the challenge is to find common ground while respecting differences, ensuring that the world does not slide into chaos.
As the Xiangshan Forum concluded on September 14, 2025, the echoes of Dong’s speech lingered, serving as both a warning and an invitation. The path to unity is fraught with challenges, but it is also an opportunity to build a more inclusive and stable global order. Whether the world heeds this call will depend on the willingness of nations to prioritize dialogue over confrontation and cooperation over competition.
