China is calling for Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states defence chiefs to "take more robust actions to jointly preserve the environment for peaceful development."
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun chaired the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao on Wednesday urging member states to boost cooperation as global instability rises and conflicts persist in the Middle East.
Dong warned that “acts of hegemony, overbearing and bullying” were threatening international order. He called for stronger cooperation through global platforms such as the United Nations and the SCO.
He urged member states to uphold fairness, deepen cooperation, and promote the 'Shanghai Spirit' to maintain peace and stability.
His comments follow a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, brokered by President Donald Trump after U.S. strikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday.
Military officials said Dong also held bilateral talks with defence ministers from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
This gathering also marks the first visit to China by an Indian defence minister in five years.
The SCO, established in 2001, is an inter-governmental organization comprising 10 member states with all members - China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus—attending the summit.
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