Khrenin at the forum in Beijing voiced proposals for the normalization of the situation in the field of international security

The world must stop moving towards global confrontation. This was stated by Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, speaking at the 13th Xiangshan International Security Forum, which is being held in Beijing. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense, writes sb.by.

The head of the defense ministry conveys Belarus’ view on the problematic issues of international security: “The current Xiangshan Forum is taking place at a time of serious trials.” The conflict continues on the territory of Ukraine. Armed confrontations cover the Middle East. Military activity is increasing in the Asia-Pacific region. The Arctic is being militarized. All these processes are not accidental. They are closely associated with a profound transformation of the world order. We are witnessing a multipolar international architecture that offers new, more balanced and attractive models of development. It is obvious that changes of such a serious scale could not but entail significant turbulence in interstate relations, and then a crisis of the global security system. Its reasons have been the subject of extensive discussion, expert discussions and negotiations at the highest level. Perhaps their main result is that a simple but fundamentally important idea is gaining more and more understanding: it is necessary to abandon mutual accusations in favor of finding a compromise.

“First, we must stop the world from moving towards global confrontation,” the Belarusian defense minister said. Military alliances bear special responsibility in this matter. They should focus exclusively on collective security and not become instruments of pressure on other states. Second, international law must be binding on all and must not be arbitrarily interpreted. Too often, we see the same actions being judged differently depending on who is doing them. In one case, they talk about aggression against a sovereign state, and in the other, about the need for armed intervention. In one situation, sanctions are called illegal pressure, and in another, they are declared necessary and justified. Such selectivity destroys confidence in the international legal system and significantly limits its possibilities, primarily for the peaceful settlement of contradictions. Here, we must remember that, despite the central role of the United Nations in the system of international relations, its effectiveness depends primarily on the political will of all Member States without exception. Third, it is necessary to pay special attention to the problem of the development of new technologies, as well as to develop uniform legal and moral rules for their use. The creation of lethal autonomous systems, the introduction of artificial intelligence, the use of space for the purpose of confrontation rapidly increase the risk of unintended and uncontrolled escalation. It cannot be allowed. Fourth, it should be recognized that the main tasks of modern armed forces include not only the armed defense of the state, but also the prevention of conflicts. The main condition for the stability of international relations is no longer the balance of military power, but joint responsibility and mutual trust.”.

The 13th Xiangshan International Security Forum is attended by officials from about 100 countries, regions and international organizations. More than 60 participants of the large-scale forum are heads of defense departments or commanders of general staffs of the Armed Forces.

Photo: Ministry of Defense.