China’s decision not to send its top defense official, Defense Minister Dong Jun, to Asia’s premier security summit has increased concerns of deteriorating U.S.-China military relations. Instead, Beijing dispatched a lower-level delegation from People’s Liberation Army National Defense University instead – starting May 29 in Singapore. South China Morning Post +11
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Chinese Defense Ministry officials did not provide a reason for Dong’s absence at the Shangri-La Dialogue summit this year, however this event has long been seen as an essential forum for high-level engagement between Chinese and U.S. defense leaders. Last year’s summit provided Dong with his first opportunity to meet then U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin; subsequent interactions have been limited; Dong declined Austin’s invitation to meet up in Laos last November instead. South China Morning Post +3 Reuters +3 Financial Times +3 AOL +12 CNA +12
This year’s forum marks the debut of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who will discuss Washington’s Indo-Pacific defense strategy and address Chinese military activities in the region. He hopes to reassure Asian allies of America’s commitment to regional security amidst growing skepticism from them.
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Analysts speculate that China’s reduced participation reflects its displeasure with the current state of U.S.-China relations, particularly given trade disputes and perceived U.S. efforts to counter its influence in Indo-Pacific region. An absence of high-level Chinese representation is seen as missed opportunity for dialogue and building confidence between two powers.
The Shangri-La Dialogue will continue until June 2, with discussions focusing on regional security challenges such as m