Scores of delegates were in the Chinese capital Friday for the Xiangshan forum, dubbed China’s answer to Singapore’s annual “Shangri-La” meeting.
It is set to host more than 500 representatives from over 90 countries and organisations across three days, according to state media.
Official speeches are expected on Friday, when the forum’s opening ceremony will take place and top military representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran, Germany and others will participate in roundtable discussions.
Topics for discussion will include US-China relations, security in Europe and Asia, and the challenges of defence in a multipolar world.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase is attending the forum, just a few days after top Washington and Beijing commanders held their first talks.
