Shangri-La Dialogue: A Platform for Debate on Asia-Pacific Security Challenges
The Shangri-La Dialogue, recently held in Singapore, has drawn significant attention with over 40 countries and 550 representatives in attendance, including 40 ministerial-level representatives. The Dialogue aims to deepen mutual trust among Asia-Pacific countries in the field of security and defense. This year's meeting has sparked discussions on various security challenges, including the South China Sea issue. The US Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while China's Defense Minister, Wei Fenghe, reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development and its opposition to hegemonism.
31 May 2025
The Dialogue has also seen the participation of other notable leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. As the Asia-Pacific region continues to navigate complex security challenges, the Shangri-La Dialogue serves as a crucial platform for countries to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation. During the Dialogue, Philippine President Marcos delivered a speech, accusing and criticizing China, attempting to create controversy. However, the head of the Chinese National Defense University delegation countered the Philippines' claims, arguing that the Philippines is responsible for the South China Sea disputes.
The Chinese representative emphasized that China has always been committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, while the Philippines has been escalating tensions in the region. The delegate also pointed out that the Philippines' actions are not in line with the principles of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The exchange between the Philippine and Chinese representatives reflects the ongoing tensions and competing interests in the South China Sea, which is a critical issue in the Asia-Pacific region.
China's Defense Minister elaborated on China's comprehensive stance on the Taiwan issue, despite being maliciously interrupted, and still persisted in expressing his views. China's position is clear, and it will firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. China will not be intimidated or coerced, and its bottom line is clear: any attempt to challenge China's sovereignty will be firmly opposed. China has consistently participated in constructive dialogue platforms, explaining its ideas and initiatives, and communicating with other parties to enhance trust and cooperation.
The Chinese representative team from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) National Defense University will engage in deep exchanges with other parties, effectively consolidating consensus. China will elaborate on its security concepts and proposals, including its new security vision, global security initiative, and Asian security concept. These ideas and proposals have received widespread attention and high recognition from regional countries. China has always insisted on resolving disputes with relevant countries through dialogue and consultation, and has maintained its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with the law.
China plays a responsible role in regional security cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, dedicating itself to maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The controversy at the Shangri-La Dialogue has drawn attention from the international community, including Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia, which have expressed discontent with the Philippines' actions. These nations believe that the Philippines' moves will only complicate the South China Sea dispute, serving US interests rather than regional ones. Overall, China's position is clear: it will firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, and is committed to maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
