China will host a major defense and military forum in Beijing from October 10-12.

The Xiangshan forum, co-hosted by the Chinese Association for Military Science and the China Institute for International Strategic Studies, will be held in Beijing from October 10 to 12.

Defense ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun Thursday told a daily press briefing that the 7th Xiangshan Forum will be attended by defense and military leaders from over 60 countries, and by more than 100 Chinese and foreign representatives of international organizations, former government and military dignitaries and renowned academics and scholars.

"Besides Asian countries, more countries from Europe, Africa and the South Pacific will be attending this year," Yang said.

The theme of the forum is to Strengthen Security Dialogue and Cooperation, and Build a New Type of International Relations. Delegates will exchange views on such issues as the military's role in global governance, maritime security cooperation, the threat of international terrorism and countermeasures, the ministry said on June 30.

"Military departments and military leaders from different countries will engage in extensive multilateral communications during the forum," Yang said, adding that China had invited neighboring countries, and that South Korea would attend.