China calls for more unity and warns against “rule of the jungle.”

China’s defense minister warned of a world “defined by the rule of the jungle” and called for increased efforts to bring people together on Thursday.

Speaking at the official opening of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on security, Dong Jun claimed that protectionism, hegemony, and Cold War mindset dominated the world.

Dong stated that the world was at another “crossroads” and that the world needed to choose discussion over confrontation. “External military interference, seeking spheres of influence, and coercing others to take sides will bring the international community into chaos,” he added.

Compared to his address to kick off last year’s meeting, Dong’s words seemed more hawkish and included multiple subtle jabs at the United States.

“An obsession with absolute superiority in military strength and a ‘might is right’ approach will lead to a divided world defined by the rule of the jungle and disorder,” Dong stated.

He went on to say that a powerful Chinese military would promote peace.

Dong’s comments come after President Xi Jinping recently spoke out against “hegemonism and power politics” and earlier this month, a major military parade in Beijing displayed a variety of new weapons.

His comments coincide with growing economic competition under US President Donald Trump’s administration, as well as simmering tensions between China and the US and its allies and partners over flashpoints in East Asia, including as Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Dong stated that the People’s Liberation Army would never for any Taiwan “separatist” activities to succeed, but that China was willing to contribute to maintaining the international order.

“The return of Taiwan to China is an integral part of the postwar international order,” he stated, adding that China was prepared “to thwart external military interference at all times” .

China has never backed down from using force to annex Taiwan, which it claims as its territory.

Taiwan’s government and president, Lai Ching-te, vehemently reject China’s claims of sovereignty, arguing that the people of the island should make their own decisions about their own destiny.

According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, the annual three-day event is being attended by over 1,800 representatives from 100 nations, including officials, military people, and scholars.

Some Western countries have stated that they are interested in learning more about China’s continuous military build-up and opaque military leadership, but the majority have sent relatively low-level diplomatic delegates to the meeting.