US delegates at Beijing security forum set to face tough time over stance on Hong Kong, ‘provocation’ in South China Sea

Senior PLA figures expected to use Xiangshan Forum to take aim at US representatives over Washington’s ‘meddling’ in China’s internal affairs, member of Chinese delegation says

But hosts may also have to face difficult questions from concerned investors over handling of protests in Hong Kong

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The US delegation is set to face criticism over Washington’s decision to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00am, 20 Oct 2019Updated: 9:36am, 20 Oct 2019

US delegates attending a regional security forum in Beijing are set to come under heavy fire from their Chinese counterparts over Washington’s recent show of support for Hong Kong and its challenges to Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, analysts said.

This year’s Xiangshan Forum – a platform for discussion of Asia-Pacific security and defence issues – runs from Sunday to Tuesday.

A member of the Chinese delegation, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, said it was likely the US representatives would face particular criticism over the US House of Representatives’ decision to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which Beijing saw as Washington interfering in China’s internal affairs.

“The Xiangshan Forum is supposed to be a platform for discussing regional security issues, but senior leaders from the People’s Liberation Army will denounce America’s provocation and proclaim the PLA’s determination to defend China’s sovereign and territorial integrity,” the source said.

“Besides playing the Hong Kong card, the US Navy has increased its so-called freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, and its plan to help Taiwan upgrade its F-16 fighter jets is all aimed at challenging Beijing’s bottom line.

“All those provocations will be severely condemned by Chinese leaders at the forum.”

At last year’s Xiangshan Forum, Xi Jinping’s top political adviser Li Zhanshu slammed the US for its arms sales to Taiwan. Photo: Weibo

With the theme of “Maintaining International Order and Promoting Peace in the Asia-Pacific”, the main discussion topics at this year’s event include innovation in security concepts, regional security architecture, how to build strategic trust and confidence, and cooperation on counterterrorism.