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The defence chiefs of both countries finally met face to face at the Shangri-La Dialogue and calls for better communication, not sabre-rattling, were the result.
Talks in Singapore between the two sides as trade and tech wars rage were deemed to be ‘constructive’
It is eight years since a high-ranking general has represented China at the regional security summit in Singapore. Thankfully, that is about to change
- Asian countries are likely to feel pressed between the rivals, with defence chiefs from both countries ready to take firm stance
- In an atmosphere of rising tensions, including heightened military activity in the region, is the momentum tipping in China’s favour?
All countries must engage, maintain open dialogue and diplomacy, and follow multilateral rules, Albanese says at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Prospects for bilateral talks still appear slim after the US said China had declined a proposal to meet, and PLA brass confirms Washington’s refusal to lift sanctions on Li as a key reason for the rejection.
Britain’s defence chief, speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, said he welcomed China’s efforts but it should not exercise ‘unreasonable power’ on Ukraine.
Li Shangfu says Beijing will ‘absolutely not’ renounce force against the island, in a meeting with his Singapore counterpart ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Chinese delegates for years have robustly fended off criticism at the forum from neighbouring countries and Western governments.
One of the most important security conferences on the international calendar gets under way for the 20th time in Singapore on June 2, bringing together defence ministers, military personnel and policy watchers.
US sanctions on Li Shangfu stand in the way but the implications of not talking are too high to ignore.
US counterpart will also attend the summit but neither side has confirmed if Li and Austin will hold talks.
Canberra and Beijing have been at odds for two years, but a leadership change in Australia presents an opportunity for at least a ‘thawing’ of trade ties and diplomatic exchanges with China.
No details of discussion between the two ministers but meeting comes after more than two years of tense relations.
Putting further pressure on countries will only add to problems, Wei Fenghe says.
Asean nations will take comfort from Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and China’s Defence Minister Wei Fenghe underlining that the region does not need to take US-China sides, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a press conference at the end of the Shangri-La Dialogue.
‘Taiwan independence is a dead end,’ General Wei Fenghe tells Shangri-La Dialogue, as he asserts Beijing’s peaceful aims and slams US ‘threats against China’.
Playing the Taiwan card is dangerous move, Chinese general says at Shangri-La Dialogue in response to a speech by US defence secretary.
Asked about the potential for conflict across the Taiwan Strait, Zelensky offered a carefully worded response about the futility of sanctions and diplomacy once a full-blown conflict begins, and avoided mentioning China or its leaders by name.
Richard Marles says Canberra values its trade ties with Beijing, but has concerns over the lack of transparency in its military build-up.
US defence chief also says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ‘galvanised’ the world in speech at regional security summit in Singapore.
Japanese leader’s remark during keynote address at annual defence summit in Singapore elicits denial by head of Chinese delegation.
Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida, speaking at Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit in Singapore, used veiled barbs in reference to Beijing and said he’d boost his nation’s defence budget and cooperate with ‘like-minded’ partners.
Defence chief General Wei Fenghe is leading group of active senior military officers, retired officials and diplomats at the regional security summit.
Wei Fenghe and Lloyd Austin met in person on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue.
US Defence Secretary tells Senate Appropriations Committee said he hoped his engagement with China’s defence minister would be the first of many, with both sides keen to keep communication open.
Annual security forum, due to be held in June, is cancelled in the light of host Singapore’s coronavirus battles.
Soldiers from 140 countries are expected to take part in 10-day sporting event in Wuhan, which coincides with Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.
