### China Hosts Key Defence Ministers Amid Global Tensions - On June 26, 2025, China convened a significant meeting in Qingdao, hosting defence ministers from Iran, Russia, and Pakistan. This gathering occurs against a backdrop of escalating military tensions in the Middle East and a recent NATO summit in Europe that resulted in commitments to increase military spending. The meeting is framed as a strategic response to perceived Western dominance and aims to strengthen ties among members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-hosts-iranian-russian-defence-ministers-against-backdrop-momentous-change-5204466][https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/china-hosts-iranian-russian-defence-ministers/amp][https://24newshd.tv/26-Jun-2025/china-hosts-iran-russia-pakistan-defence-chiefs-against-backdrop-of-momentous-change]. ### Meeting Structure and Objectives 1. **Context of the Meeting**: - The meeting is set against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, and NATO's recent decisions to enhance military capabilities [https://24newshd.tv/26-Jun-2025/china-hosts-iran-russia-pakistan-defence-chiefs-against-backdrop-of-momentous-change]. 2. **Participants**: - Defence ministers from Iran, Russia, Pakistan, and other SCO member states attended, highlighting a collective effort to counter Western influence [https://www.fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/national/china-hosts-iran-russia-defence-ministers-against-backdrop-of-turmoil/article_585652d0-e800-5ddf-ae39-2f4dc28ccce2.html]. 3. **Key Statements**: - Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun emphasized the need for robust actions to maintain peace amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, framing the meeting as a response to global instability [https://24newshd.tv/26-Jun-2025/china-hosts-iran-russia-pakistan-defence-chiefs-against-backdrop-of-momentous-change]. 4. **Strategic Goals**: - The meeting aims to enhance collaboration among SCO members in various sectors, including security and trade, positioning the SCO as a counterweight to NATO and Western alliances [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/china-hosts-iranian-russian-defence-ministers/amp]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Military Spending Trends**: - NATO's recent summit resulted in a commitment to increase military spending, reflecting a shift in global military dynamics [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-hosts-iranian-russian-defence-ministers-against-backdrop-momentous-change-5204466]. - **Regional Conflicts**: - The meeting coincides with a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, indicating the urgency of diplomatic efforts in the region [https://24newshd.tv/26-Jun-2025/china-hosts-iran-russia-pakistan-defence-chiefs-against-backdrop-of-momentous-change]. - **SCO's Role**: - The SCO is increasingly viewed as a platform for non-Western countries to collaborate on security and economic issues, as highlighted by the presence of multiple defence ministers from member states [https://www.fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/national/china-hosts-iran-russia-defence-ministers-against-backdrop-of-turmoil/article_585652d0-e800-5ddf-ae39-2f4dc28ccce2.html]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Qingdao Meeting - **Strategic Alliances**: The Qingdao meeting underscores a significant shift in global alliances, with China, Iran, and Russia positioning themselves against Western military strategies. - **Future Collaborations**: The discussions are likely to lead to enhanced military and economic cooperation among SCO members, potentially altering the balance of power in international relations. - **Global Stability Concerns**: As tensions rise globally, the meeting reflects a concerted effort by these nations to safeguard their interests and promote a multipolar world order [https://24newshd.tv/26-Jun-2025/china-hosts-iran-russia-pakistan-defence-chiefs-against-backdrop-of-momentous-change][https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/china-hosts-iranian-russian-defence-ministers/amp].