China Defense Ministry: Xiangshan Forum Gives Peace a Chance Through Dialogue

The ministry's framing is itself the story: Beijing is presenting the forum not as a talking shop but as a venue with convening power that it claims is unmatched, which positions dialogue as a form of influence distinct from mediation with tangible outcomes. That distinction matters most for governments weighing whether attendance signals alignment or mere openness. Whether participants treat the gathering as a genuine channel or a diplomatic courtesy is the open question.