Kuala lumpur: Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun attended the 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) here on Saturday. In his address, Dong emphasized the significance of the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus mechanism, highlighting the growing interconnectedness of regional countries and the increasing demand for peace and development amidst emerging threats and challenges.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Dong underscored the Global Governance Initiative as a Chinese solution for addressing global changes and challenges, aligning with the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. He urged all nations to uphold the pursuit of peace and cooperation, seek common ground while setting aside differences, and collaborate for common development to share the benefits of peace.

Dong reiterated China’s commitment to playing a constructive role in regional peace and stability alongside ASEAN, supporting ASEAN’s centrality in the regional framework. He expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with regional countries in maintaining peace, resolving differences through dialogue, enhancing open cooperation, and acting as a reliable and stabilizing force.

Furthermore, Dong stated China’s intention to continue contributing to ADMM-Plus security cooperation and to foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, aiming to jointly safeguard international and regional peace and stability. Additionally, Dong engaged in discussions with defense leaders from South Korea, Japan, and Australia on Friday.