Chinese VP meets foreign defense officials

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao on Thursday met with senior foreign defense and military officials attending the fifth Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.

The two-day Xiangshan Forum focuses on security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Upholding the spirit of peace, development, cooperation and win-win, China has adhered to a peaceful development path and remained an important force for regional and world peace and stability, Li said.

Asia's development has drawn the attention of the world. Now the region needs a security guarantee for its development, Li told the foreign representatives, including defense chiefs from Malaysia, Maldives and Kyrgyzstan, among others.

China is willing to work with other countries to strengthen security cooperation and address challenges to foster common security and development, Li said.

The biennial event, organized by China Society of Military Sciences, has been held since 2006. It will be held annually starting this year.

To adapt to a changing security environment in the Asia-Pacific region and the need for security cooperation, the fifth forum will change from a pure academic forum to a high-end security and defense forum, said Yuan Zhiming, head of the forum's preparation team.

The forum attracted delegations of defense ministries or armed forces from 47 countries and four international organizations, as well as experts and scholars totalling about 300 people.

Attendees will discuss security framework in Asia, maritime security and anti-terror issues.