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What message does China defence chief Li Shangfu have for Shangri-La Dialogue?
- Chinese delegates for years have robustly fended off criticism at the forum from neighbouring countries and Western governments
- Analysts are expecting a similar firm stance from Beijing’s new defence minister when he addresses this week’s event
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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. In the second of a three-part series, Jack Lau examines what message General Li Shangfu is likely to bring to his first forum as China’s defence chief.
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At the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum a year ago, China’s General Wei Fenghe proudly assured a hall of defence analysts, journalists and officials from other countries that China stood for peace on issues ranging from the Ukraine war to worries over an arms race.
In response, 11 questions were hurled at the then Chinese defence minister, disputing his narrative on Ukraine, military transparency and Beijing’s presence in the South China Sea.
For years, China has fended off criticism at the forum from its neighbours and Western governments unconvinced of the People’s Liberation Army’s intentions, which Beijing says are peaceful.
Suspicions only grew as military facilities appeared on artificial islands in the South China Sea and unsafe close encounters were reported by other militaries with PLA planes and ships.
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At the Shangri-La Dialogue from June 2 to 4, PLA officials led by the new defence chief General Li Shangfu will have another chance to get their message across, at a time of severe tension between the two powers with the strongest militaries in the region – the United States and China.
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