In the gentle warmth of spring, all things flourish. On April 9 and 10, the 4th International Security Cooperation Seminar for Foreign Military Attaches to China, hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense and organized by ICDS of the National Defense University, was held in Beijing. Military attaches from over 80 countries accredited to China and representatives from some international organizations stationed in China gathered together to conduct in-depth discussions on the international strategic situation, focusing on dialogue, exchange, and consensus-building on strengthening international cooperation to address security challenges.

In contemporary world, geopolitical conflicts and localized wars are erupting one after another, traditional and non-traditional security threats are intertwined, hegemonism and power politics are on the rise, and the world is facing increasing instability and uncertainty. In the face of this complex and turbulent situation, no country can stand alone.

At the seminar, Professor You Dongxiao of ICDS at the National Defense University stated: "Security should not be an 'exclusive cake' but rather 'shared oxygen.' One country's security cannot be built upon another country's insecurity. The old mindset of zero-sum games and absolute security will only exacerbate the security dilemma. Only through mutual respect and equal treatment can we forge a new path of win-win security; only through unity, cooperation, and joint guardianship can we realize the vision of lasting peace."

The statement by the Chinese representative resonated with the participants. Pakistani Military Attache Ali Asghar Khan stated: "The international community should uphold the global governance philosophy of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and insist that world affairs be resolved through joint consultation by all countries. I believe this is the best path for peoples of all nations to reach understanding and resolve differences and disputes."

Sierra Leone Military Attache Richard Sahid Conteh pointed out that the current international situation is becoming increasingly turbulent, with economic and social development facing challenges, sounding an alarm bell for international peace and security. He called for the indisputable core position of the United Nations in international security affairs, urging the international community to firmly uphold the authority and status of the UN, maintain the international system centered on the UN and the international order based on international law, and practice genuine multilateralism.

During the plenary exchange session, Ugandan Military Attache Geoffrey Kigozi, speaking as a group representative, noted that the cause of world peace and development cannot be separated from the support and participation of all progressive forces. The population of Global South countries accounts for the majority of the world's population, and their economic aggregate holds a significant share globally. In international security affairs, the participation and voice of Global South countries should be further enhanced.

Regardless of how the international landscape changes, China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. The Chinese military has always been a force for justice in world peace and development. In recent years, the Chinese military has carried out exchanges and cooperation with the armed forces of various countries, actively participated in international peacekeeping, maritime escort, and humanitarian relief operations, striving to provide international public security goods, playing an important and constructive role in maintaining world peace and security.

Cameroonian Deputy Military Attache Etoua Julien Freddy said: "The growth of China's military strength is the growth of the world's peace forces. The Chinese military actively practices the Global Security Initiative, providing public security goods to the world, which has received attention and praise from the international community."

Li Chen, Vice Dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, stated: "China adheres to the path of peaceful development and pursues a defensive national defense policy. The Chinese military has always been a steadfast force in maintaining world peace. Looking ahead, China will consistently uphold the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, promote the implementation of the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, and work with all parties to promote the building of a balanced, effective, and sustainable international security architecture."

The participating representatives unanimously agreed that dialogue is preferable to confrontation and cooperation is stronger than conflict. Strengthening strategic communication and managing the risks of differences are key measures for resolving regional contradictions and maintaining peace and stability. Facing global challenges, it is even more necessary for countries to stand shoulder to shoulder and work in concert, using pragmatic cooperation to solve security challenges. This seminar built a platform for candid communication, erected a bridge of mutual trust and cooperation, and contributed wisdom and strength to maintaining regional and international security.

(PLA Daily, Beijing, April 10)