Delegations from more than a dozen countries took part today in the 6th China–Latin America and Caribbean Defense Forum, held within the framework of the Xiangshan Forum on military diplomacy.

The Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) of Cuba, Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, attended the event alongside some 20 senior representatives of military entities and China’s Minister of National Defense, Dong Jun.

The central theme of this gathering was “Shared Future and Win-Win Cooperation,” in line with the dialogue, collaboration, and consultation-based diplomacy promoted by the Asian giant.

The Xiangshan Forum, held under the theme “Safeguarding the International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development,” concludes today with the participation of delegates from more than 100 countries, regions, and international organizations.

According to official data, the event recorded the attendance of more than 1,800 participants, including over 40 ministers and defense chiefs, as well as senior officials from the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The gathering featured four plenary sessions and eight parallel meetings that addressed global security governance, strategic trust in the Asia-Pacific, and the evolution of the form of warfare, among other issues.

As a parallel activity, the Beijing Exhibition of Advanced Dual-Use Equipment and Technologies was held, showcasing applications in artificial intelligence, drones, and cybersecurity.

The exhibition’s theme was “The Peaceful Use of Science and Technology, Science and Technology Safeguard Peace.” Since its first edition in 2006, the Xiangshan Forum has consolidated itself as a high-level platform for dialogue on defense and security with significant influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Prior to the main event, the Chinese defense minister held separate talks with his guests, including his Cuban counterpart, to whom he reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and China’s support for the island’s national sovereignty.

On the eve of the forum, Beijing denounced the coercive tactics of the United States toward Latin American and Caribbean countries.

China and Latin America are “good friends and partners” who cooperate on the basis of “equality, mutual benefit, and joint development,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that the Latin American and Caribbean region “is not anyone’s backyard” and has the right to choose its own development paths and cooperative partners.