As geopolitical tensions and climate crises reshape global stability, the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum has emerged as a critical platform for fostering international security cooperation. Held under the theme "Upholding international order and promoting peaceful development," the event brings together defense experts and policymakers to address escalating threats through dialogue rather than confrontation.
From Cold War Rivalries to Collective Security
Since its 2006 launch, the forum has evolved alongside shifting security paradigms. While Cold War-era strategies prioritized military alliances, today's challenges demand collaborative solutions. Territorial disputes and great-power competition now intersect with non-traditional threats like cyberattacks, pandemics, and climate disasters. The 2022 U.S. National Security Strategy's focus on competition contrasts with the forum's emphasis on inclusive multilateralism, exemplified by China's push for shared responsibility in crisis management.
Conflict Zones and Global Ripple Effects
Recent conflicts underscore the need for dialogue. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted 30% of global wheat exports, triggering food insecurity in Africa and the Middle East. Europe's 2022 energy price surge fueled record inflation, while the Gaza humanitarian crisis has displaced millions since October 2023. Attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes disrupted 12% of global trade, tripling Suez Canal insurance costs. Forum participants argue such crises require coordinated de-escalation efforts.
Non-Traditional Threats Take Center Stage
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed shared vulnerabilities, with initiatives like COVAX distributing 2 billion vaccine doses across 146 countries. Climate change also dominated discussions: Pakistan's 2022 floods affected 33 million people, Europe's 2023 heatwave caused 50,000 deaths, and Canada's wildfires created transcontinental pollution. "Military might alone can't solve these challenges," noted one delegate, highlighting the forum's focus on systemic cooperation.
A Path Forward
By addressing both traditional and emerging threats, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum positions itself as a counterweight to zero-sum geopolitics. As global supply chains and ecosystems grow increasingly interconnected, its emphasis on dialogue offers a blueprint for managing 21st-century security risks through collective action.
