Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu speaks at the Xiangshan Forum, China's biggest annual show of military diplomacy, on Monday. Photo: VCG

Vietnamese Minister of Defense Phan Văn Giang delivers a speech at the forum on Monday. Photo: VCG

Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin delivers a speech at the forum on Monday. Photo: VCG

Sri Lankan Chief of Defense Staff Shavendra Silva speaks at the forum. Photo: VCG

Xanthi Carras, the U.S. Defense Department’s principal official for issues related to China, is leading the U.S. delegation at the forum. Photo: VCG

Military representatives from various countries engage in talks on Monday. Photo: VCG

Military representatives attend the opening ceremony under the escort of Chinese honor guards. Photo: VCG

The 1st Plenary Session gets underway with the theme of “Major Countries’ Responsibility and Global Security Cooperation.” Photo: CCTV

The forum opening ceremony is held on Monday. Photo: VCG