BEIJING: The Chinese military’s participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue by sending delegations led by the minister of national defense has helped the world gain a more comprehensive understanding of its positions on global issues, as well as facilitating communication and promoting understanding between the militaries of China and the United States, experts said recently.
The 21st Shangri-La Dialogue, held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2 by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a British think tank, is one of the biggest and highest-level multilateral conferences on security in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Chinese military has participated in the security summit every year since 2007. This year, the Chinese delegation, led by Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun, comprised 34 members, including 29 from the People’s Liberation Army, according to the event guide provided by the organizer.
Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy and a member of the delegation, said: “At present, the Chinese military has attracted much attention, but there are still some misunderstandings about it in the West. Therefore, the Shangri-La Dialogue serves as a major platform for the Chinese military to articulate its positions and showcase a positive image.”
Dong delivered a keynote speech at the dialogue on China’s approach to global security, stressing that China will not allow any country or force to trigger war or chaos in the Asia-Pacific region. Later during the Q&A session, Dong elaborated on China’s position on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue.
“Dong’s speech was quite comprehensive,” said Zhou, who has attended 10 Shangri-La Dialogues, at seven of which he was a PLA delegation member. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
