Admiral Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission and chairman of the China Institute for International Strategic Studies, delivers a welcome speech on Oct. 10 at the opening reception for the 7th Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]

Chinese and international delegates to the 7th Xiangshan Forum, a principal forum for defense affairs, have expressed the need for greater dialogue and cooperation on anti-terrorism and security.

The 7th Xiangshan Forum, held in Beijing on Oct. 10-12, hosts more than 400 delegates from 59 countries' defense departments, six international organizations as well as scholars on military affairs.

This year's theme is to "Build a New Type of International Relations through Security, Dialogue and Cooperation."

Admiral Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission and chairman of the China Institute for International Strategic Studies, said on Oct. 10 in his welcome speech that while each year's forum adopts a different theme, what remains unchanged is "to cherish and yearn for the world's peace and stability, and to explore and seek the progress of human civilization."

Admiral Sun said that strengthening cooperation on international anti-terrorism is important for the world's peace and development and meets the common expectation of people from all countries.

Also at the reception, General Zulkifeli Bin Mohammed Zin, chief of the Malaysian defense forces, said that the advent of global terrorism is "historically unparalleled."

"While terrorism takes many forms, few would argue that the threat posed by groups driven by religious extremism is not the greatest challenge of our time," he said. Also noting that international cooperation has resulted in IS' recent set-backs, with new data showing that the group has lost more than a quarter of the territory it once controlled.

He stressed that successful collaboration against terrorism would call for "transparency in deliberations, adherence to international norms and practices, engaging members as equals, and taking into account varied national interests."

"Xiangshan Forum plays a significant role in promoting peace across the region and indeed the world, by helping us build ever stronger relationships and trust, as well as developing a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities each of us faces," said General Zulkifeli.

Yasser Mubarak Elmanasir, brigadier general of Jordan's army, agreed that rampant terrorism headed by IS is the main reason for the current turmoil in the Middle East. But he believed that China and Jordan can enhance their political and military cooperation to help stabilize the situation.

In relation to Asian security and defense issues, Nguyen Chi Vinh, Vietnam's deputy minister of national defense said that the Asia-Pacific region is fortunate not to currently have armed conflict. This forum is about how different countries can work together to create a "conflict-free environment."

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