Dong Jun’s remarks stressing prudence as Xi-Trump summit looms and amid Iran war suggest no military action on Taiwan for now, analysts say
4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenAmber Wangin BeijingandAlcott Weiin BeijingPublished: 6:00pm, 10 Mar 2026Beijing’s defence minister called for shaping a stable environment for China to serve its broader political and diplomatic agenda, conveying the government’s strategic caution amid global uncertainties, analysts said.
According to meeting minutes made available to the media, Dong on four occasions in his fewer than 400-word remarks said the military’s tasks were to “stabilise” the situation, mentioning stability more often than building military capabilities and maintaining combat readiness.
The military “should stabilise the situation and shape the momentum … serve the broader political and diplomatic agenda, conduct resolute and effective struggle, stabilise and manage the situation effectively, and firmly grasp the strategic initiative”, he added.
“Period of strategic opportunity” is a political slogan referring to a historical window when external conditions are favourable for national development and the accumulation of power. In 2002, former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin declared that China could enjoy about two decades of strategic opportunity.
