Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun convened with defense leaders from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia on Wednesday in Qingdao, marking a pivotal moment for regional security collaboration. The meetings precede the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Gathering, a two-day forum focused on addressing shared challenges across Asia.
The discussions emphasized strengthening military trust and counterterrorism coordination among SCO members, reflecting China's commitment to multilateral security frameworks. Analysts note the timing aligns with growing global interest in stabilizing Central and South Asian corridors critical for trade and energy flows.
Qingdao, a strategic port city, has become a recurring venue for high-level defense dialogues. This year's agenda reportedly addresses emerging cybersecurity threats and joint training initiatives, though official statements stress the SCO's non-aligned principles and opposition to 'bloc confrontation.'
