The seventh Xiangshan Forum opened in Beijing on Monday, with about 500 defense officials and scholars gathering to discuss global security cooperation.

Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, will deliver a speech at the forum.

The forum is scheduled from Monday to Wednesday, and attendees represent 59 countries and five international organizations, according to organizers.

Their discussions will range from how to cope with new challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and maritime security to fighting international terrorism.

This year's forum has seen increased participation from countries in Europe, Africa and the South Pacific. New events include one for young academics as well as video forums.

The forum was launched by a Chinese academic association in 2006 and has been held once every two years from 2006 to 2014. China has invited more foreign defense officials and scholars since 2015, upgrading it from a biennial event to an annual one. Endi

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