China's defence minister Dong Jun emphasized that the military's tasks should prioritize stabilizing the situation to serve broader political and diplomatic agendas, analysts said, reflecting Beijing's strategic caution amid global uncertainties. His remarks, stressing prudence as a Xi-Trump summit looms and amid the Iran war, suggest no military action on Taiwan for now.
Beijing's defence minister Dong Jun called for shaping a stable environment for China to serve its broader political and diplomatic agenda, conveying the government's strategic caution amid global uncertainties, analysts said.
According to meeting minutes made available to the media, Dong on four occasions in his fewer than 400-word remarks said the military’s tasks were to “stabilise” the situation, mentioning stability more often than building military capabilities and maintaining combat readiness.
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.
“Period of strategic opportunity” is a political slogan referring to a historical window when external conditions are favourable for national development and the accumulation of power. In 2002, former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin declared that China could enjoy about two decades of strategic opportunity.
Dong’s remarks stressing prudence come as a Xi-Trump summit looms and amid the Iran war, suggesting no military action on Taiwan for now, analysts say. Keywords include South China Morning Post, Nanjing University, National People's Congress, Jiang Zemin, Donald Trump, Dong Jun, China, Brown University, Lyle Goldstein, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Taiwan, Beijing, Iran, Xi Jinping, PLA.
