A Chinese defense ministry delegation visited Europe from March 23 to 29 for a series of institutional dialogues. This military dialogue included the 15th China-EU defense and security policy talks, the 9th China-NATO security policy dialogue, and the 15th China-Switzerland defense policy coordination dialogue. Participants conducted in-depth exchanges on international and regional security situations. They also addressed other issues of mutual concern.
The EU and China exchanged views on Asia-Pacific security issues during the March 24 consultations. These issues included the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. Military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times that such exchanges help the EU understand China’s red lines. They also help Europe recognize who truly destabilizes the relevant waters and the Taiwan Strait.
The two sides also exchanged views on hotspot issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Iran situation. The previous round of China-EU defense and security dialogue took place in Beijing on March 11, 2024. That meeting involved leaders from China’s Central Military Commission and the European External Action Service.
This military dialogue serves multiple purposes. Zhang noted that China’s approach to international hotspot issues is to promote peace talks. Addressing these issues during the dialogue once again demonstrates to the West China’s commitment to international fairness and justice. It also affirms that China acts as a stabilizer of world peace.
Jian Junbo, director of the Center for China-Europe Relations at Fudan University, said China has consistently maintained military self-restraint in international conflicts. If the dialogue touched on such content, it could dispel external biases regarding China’s stance. This would help avert misunderstandings by European nations toward China.
The consultations also provided an opportunity for dialogue on non-proliferation, disarmament, and space security. Zhang said these defense and security dialogues meet the needs of both sides. They help China and Europe jointly safeguard regional and global peace and stability.
As major forces of the East and West, this military dialogue contributes to building global consensus on military security concepts. Jian noted that such exchanges also provide a reference for military dialogue among other major powers worldwide.
The Chinese defense ministry’s public confirmation of the visit signals transparency about these engagements. Beijing has sometimes been opaque about its military-to-military contacts. This public announcement shows willingness to be open about such dialogues. Consequently, European partners can view these meetings as genuine rather than performative.
European participants likely appreciated the opportunity to discuss security concerns directly with Chinese counterparts. Face-to-face meetings allow for nuanced exchanges that written communications cannot replicate. The delegation’s visit also demonstrated China’s willingness to invest in these relationships.
China and Europe held multiple rounds of military dialogue during a Chinese defense delegation’s week-long visit to Brussels and Bern. The talks covered Asia-Pacific security, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Iran situation, and non-proliferation. Chinese experts say this military dialogue helps deepen mutual understanding and dispel European misconceptions about China’s military stance. The exchanges also affirm China’s role as a stabilizer of world peace. This military dialogue will likely continue along established patterns, contributing to global security governance.
