President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed the hope that the Beijing Xiangshan Forum will continue to uphold the spirit of equality and openness, and address global security challenges.

In the congratulatory letter, Xi pointed out that China had continuously consolidated consensus among all parties and promoted the elimination of the root causes of international conflicts in the face of global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century.

He added that Beijing has also been improving global security governance and making efforts to build a world of lasting peace and universal security.

In a wide-ranging speech to the annual forum, Defence Minister, Dong Jun, said China would enhance military ties with its neighbours and with developing countries in particular.

"Major countries must take the lead in safeguarding global security, abandon a zero-sum mindset and refrain from bullying the small and the weak," Dong said.

In a "multipolar" world, "no one can afford to be an outsider or onlooker", he added. "Countries, no matter big or small, developed or developing, should have an equal right to participate in international affairs and voice their needs, and uphold their legitimate rights and interests," Dong said.

Russian deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin was blunt in his speech, accusing the United States of trying to contain China and Russia, while preparing for war in Asia by creating new security blocs.

More than 500 representatives from all over the world are taking part in the forum in the capital.