Latest news with #22ndShangri-LaDialogue
Malaysia Sun
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
ASEAN leaders at Shangri-La Dialogue: 'We won't choose sides'
Singapore's Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing delivers his speech during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, June 1, 2025. /VCG In a special address to the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim - as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025 - rejected the pressure of choosing sides in geopolitical rivalries. Speaking at the final session of the dialogue on Sunday, Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing echoed Anwar's stance. Out of geopolitical necessity, Southeast Asia must engage with both China and the United States as well as other nations, rather than take sides, he said. "If we have to choose sides, may we choose the side of principles - principles that uphold a global order where we do not descend into the law of the jungle, where the mighty do what they wish and the weak suffer what they must," Chan said. Their making clear the stance of taking no sides came after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asia-Pacific countries to increase their military spending to 5 percent of GDP to counter perceived threats from China in a speech at the dialogue. Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, said Hegseth's attempts to drive a wedge between China and ASEAN countries will not work. "I think the U.S. attempt to divide China and Asia-Pacific countries is ineffective because it lacks persuasiveness," Da told media on the sideline of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivers an address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, May 31, 2025. /VCG No to bloc confrontation In his first address at the the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth outlined the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" of the Trump administration since the U.S. president returned to the White House in January. The Chinese Foreign Ministry slammed his remarks, saying that he deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation, vilified China with defamatory allegations, and falsely called China a "threat." "The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow discord. China deplores and firmly opposes them and has protested strongly to the U.S.," said the ministry in a statement. Meng Xiangqing, a professor at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, said the U.S. side has once again promoted its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" at the dialogue. After years of implementation, this strategy has achieved nothing beyond provoking incidents, creating crises, and destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region, Meng told China Media Group. The essence of America's "Indo-Pacific Strategy" is simply a tool for hegemony, he said. Militarily, it promotes bloc formation and confrontation - establishing mechanisms like the Quad between the U.S., Japan, India and Australia, and AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation with Australia and the United Kingdom; politically, it forces nations to choose sides; technologically, it erects "small yard, high fences" barriers; and economically, its trade wars and tariff policies push for decoupling between economies, and it also imposes coercion against others based on values, Meng explained. "This has artificially divided the Asia-Pacific region into competing blocs," he said. Shen Chen, deputy director of the Department of International Political Theory at the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), said the U.S. "Indo-Pacific Strategy" heightens regional tensions, embodying its practice of hegemonism and power politics. "Its very purpose is to perpetuate U.S. dominance by sacrificing regional peace and stability for its own interests," Shen told CGTN. A police officer walks on patrol during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, May 30, 2025. /VCG China's Asian security model: A better choice for region Zhang Chi, a member of the Chinese delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue, said China's Asian security model aligns with the common interests of all Asian nations and charts a practical path for the region to safeguard its prosperity and stability. At a central conference on work related to neighboring countries in April, China, for the first time, proposed the Asian security model that features sharing weal and woe, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and prioritizing dialogue and consultation. Shen, the CASS professor, said that the Asian security model demonstrates fundamental differences from the U.S. "Indo-Pacific Strategy." Emphasizing win-win cooperation and equal consultation, the Asian security model is committed to safeguarding regional peace and prosperity, he said. Aligned with the shared interests of all Asian nations, this model represents an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial approach to security governance, Shen added. He also criticized the U.S. demand for Asian nations to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP as "both unreasonable and unrealistic." That would serve America's strategic self-interest, but it risks pushing Asia Pacific into an arms race, exacerbates regional tensions, and runs counter to the shared aspirations of regional countries for peace and development, said Shen. He said while some nations might waver under U.S. pressure, most will remain clear-eyed about the U.S. demand's irrationality. The Asian security model proposed by China offers a better alternative, said Shen, adding that regional countries prefer partnering with China and other major countries to uphold security through peace and collaboration - not following the U.S. down the path of military expansion. Read more: Shangri-La Dialogue: China says it rejects unilateralism, bullying Experts slam Hegseth's remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue as provocative, harmful to regional stability Source: CGTN
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Top Pakistani general flags ‘Kashmir' in Singapore, warns of ‘destructive escalation'
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman, joint chiefs of staff committee, Pakistan Armed Forces, center, comes out from a panel discussion during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore (Picture credit: AP) ISLAMABAD: Kashmir remains the 'core' of India-Pakistan animosity and not addressing it through dialogue or third-party mediation carries the risk of 'destructive escalation', Islamabad's designated military representative to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore said Sunday in another attempt to internationalise an issue that Delhi insists is bilateral. Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, sought to spotlight Kashmir as a 'dispute' that warranted international intervention during a session on 'regional crisis management mechanisms'. Pushing for 'conflict resolution aligned with Security Council resolutions', Gen Mirza reeled off a list of countries that he claimed could be third-party mediators, the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkiye and UAE. The military officer said meeting the 'aspirations of the Kashmiri people' was essential for sustainable peace. He accused India of having an 'extremist mindset' and warned that it could be 'too late to avert damage and destruction' if this continued. Gen Mirza said the threshold for conventional warfare had 'significantly degraded', suggesting the possibility of rapid escalation in a nuclear-armed region. India has consistently dismissed Pakistan's call for UN-mediated solutions, while asking Islamabad to stop sponsoring terrorism in the region.
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Philippines defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr calls out China's ‘propaganda spiel' at Shangri-La Dialogue
SINGAPORE - A 'deficit of trust' stands in the way of Beijing's ability to resolve disputes such as overlapping claims in the South China Sea, said Philippines defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr on June 1. Speaking on June 1 at a plenary session during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Mr Teodoro also hit back at questions from Chinese delegates after one official compared the Philippines' handling of the waterway dispute with China, with the approaches taken by Malaysia and Vietnam, asking why Manila could not 'do the same' and 'effectively manage' these differences. The same official also asked if Manila's intention was to 'act as a proxy for external powers'. Among the claimants of the contested waterway, Manila, which has a mutual defence treaty with Washington, has been one of the most vocal in speaking out against Beijing's moves to assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea, with tense confrontations breaking out in recent times between the two countries' vessels and coast guards. This is in contrast to fellow Asean member states who also have territorial claims in the strategic waterway, which China claims the majority of via a 'nine-dash line' it uses to demarcate its territory. The area within the dashes overlaps with areas that Asean members Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia claim as their territories or exclusive economic zones. Currently, there are ongoing negotiations between Asean and Beijing to ink a Code of Conduct to manage South China Sea disputes peacefully . Labelling the queries posed during the session as a 'propaganda spiel disguised as questions' , which drew applause from those in attendance, Mr Teodoro said: 'On dialogue with China, unfortunately, my personal opinion (is that) the fact that the way the question was asked... engenders a deficit of trust in China's words vis-a-vis action.' He also said that while the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam were part of Asean , they are also sovereign countries with their own territorial integrity. 'I'm sure that if what China is doing to the Philippines is done to Malaysia or to any Asean country, you will see a different reaction. Certainly, as an Asean brother, the Philippines will stand up with that Asean brother in time of need and in support and defence of internal law and Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),' he said. Commenting on conducting dialogue with China , Mr Teodoro said that for such exchanges to be effective, it must be coupled with trust. He added: 'China has a lot of trust-building to do to be an effective negotiating partner in dispute settlement. 'We have to call a spade a spade… And that's the biggest stumbling block in dispute resolution or dialogue with China, the deficit of trust.' And while some Asean member states do have overlapping territorial claims with each other, these differences are dealt with in a cooperative and peaceful manner because of the trust between the nations. 'Asean should not allow other parties to define what Asean centrality means. And not (allow others) to use Asean's perceived action or inaction as a wedge to drive divisions among us,' Mr Teodoro said. When asked for a response on Mr Teodoro's remarks, Senior Colonel Qi Dapeng, a National Defence University professor who was among the Chinese delegates that posed questions at the session, took issue with how the Chinese queries were being framed as propaganda slogans. He told the Straits Times at the sidelines of the forum that Mr Teodoro has failed to respond to the issue 'properly'. In his remarks, Mr Teodoro warned that disruptions in strategic maritime corridors such as the South China Sea, the Suez Canal and the Bab el Mandeb, will have impacts across the globe. 'They are arteries of the global economy. Disruption in any of these maritime corridors triggers ripple effects across continents, impacting trade flows, military deployments and diplomatic posture,' he said. Also speaking during the plenary session on Enhancing Security Cooperation for a Stable Asia-Pacific were Thailand's deputy prime minister and defence minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Lithuania's Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene. Mr Phumthum said that there have been efforts for Asean to unite on various fronts, including to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure as well as cross-regional security mechanisms. One area of concern in particular was the protection of undersea infrastructure, which he said remains vulnerable to physical attacks, sabotage and natural disasters. 'Disruption in this domain carries far-reaching consequences for regional economies and security,' he said. Thailand's deputy prime minister and defence minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that there have been efforts for Asean to unite on various fronts. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG Thailand, along with Singapore and Brunei, have proposed that the Asean Digital Masterplan 2025, which focuses on advancing digital transformation in the region, drive cooperation in this area, he added. Answering questions about Thailand's efforts to combat the networks of illegal scam centres that have been operating along its border with Myanmar, Mr Phumthum said this involves collective efforts from all countries. Bangkok and Beijing had earlier in 2025 launched a series of crackdowns to tackle the multi-billion-dollar scam hubs located in Myanmar, repatriating thousands of foreigners – including many Chinese nationals – who had been held captive there . 'We use our positive relations with Myanmar and talk with all concerned countries about online scammer issues, and collaborate in helping victims and trying to find a durable resolution,' he said. Thailand has also cut cross-border supply of electricity, water and internet connectivity to areas in Myanmar linked with these scam centres, he noted. 'This has undoubtedly impacted the local people in the area, but it will help us reduce the problem of online scammers and transnational crime,' Mr Phumthum added. Meanwhile, Ms Sakaliene highlighted Lithuania's Indo-Pacific Strategy that was launched in 2023 in response to the need to ensure security, economic cooperation and strengthen the small state's international position. 'We do have something to offer. And as one of my wonderful colleagues said here, being small does not mean being insignificant, especially where there are a lot of such small ones like us,' she said. On May 31, United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said during the security conference that the future, security and prosperity of the US and its Indo-Pacific allies were linked and 'bound together'. He also encouraged Asian countries to increase their defence spending. Ms Sakaliene said that while the United States' strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific was justified and necessary, it was not Washington's responsibility alone. 'I'm very glad to hear that so many of us here agree that we do have to work together,' she said, warning that if more 'coordinated action' by 'less diplomatically' aligned and authoritarian regimes were to take place, it would complicate global stability for decades. She added: 'In these times of uncertainty, I believe that our ability to weave a tightly knit network of allies and partners from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, based on fair government sharing and defence of joint interest against common threats, is crucial.' Additional reporting by Yew Lun Tian Tan Tam Mei is assistant foreign editor at The Straits Times. She oversees coverage of South-east Asia. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Newsweek
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Beijing Hits Back After Hegseth Calls China a Threat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China has it back at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after he described the country as a threat to the United States, amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing. "Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation," the Chinese foreign ministry said. The Context Hegseth said on Saturday that the U.S. is stepping up its efforts to resist China's plans to "dominate and control" Southeast and East Asia. China's defense minister was absent from this year's event and sent a lower-level delegation instead. The remarks sparked fury from Beijing as the relationship between the two superpowers remains on edge, with tensions escalating over trade, security, and regional influence. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. Anupam Nath/AP What To Know The foreign ministry accused Hegseth of vilifying the country with defamatory accusations during the Shangri-La Dialogue, a global security summit, and criticized him for promoting a Cold War mentality. The statement also accused the United States of fueling regional conflict and escalating tensions in the region. "No country in the world deserves to be called a hegemonic power other than the U.S. itself," the Chinese foreign ministry said. Speaking in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth said Washington will strengthen its overseas defenses in response to what the Pentagon views as rapidly escalating threats, particularly due to an increasingly assertive posture toward Taiwan. China's army "is rehearsing for the real deal," Hegseth said. "We are not going to sugarcoat it—the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent." "The Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair. No country is in a position to interfere. The U.S. should never imagine it could use the Taiwan question as leverage against China. The U.S. must never play with fire on this question," the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said. Beijing and Washington have been embroiled in a tit-for-tat over tariffs. Last month, the two sides reached a temporary deal to reduce U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs from 145 percent to 30 percent for 90 days, giving negotiators time to work toward a more comprehensive agreement. In response, China lowered its taxes on U.S. goods from 125 percent to 10 percent. However, the future of this trade truce remains uncertain. On Friday, Trump posted on social media that he would no longer be "nice" to China regarding trade and accused Beijing of violating an unspecified agreement with the U.S. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the State Department to begin revoking visas for Chinese students studying there. The Trump administration went as far as accusing Harvard University of collaborating with China. What People Are Saying Hegseth said: "We are prepared to do what the Department of Defense does best—to fight and win a war." Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said in a statement: "Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation, vilified China with defamatory allegations, and falsely called China a 'threat.' The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow division. China deplores and firmly opposes them and has protested strongly to the U.S." Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy, previously told Newsweek: "What I want to stress is we are on the path to better relations with regional countries—so we don't need the U.S. to teach us." Bonnie Glaser, managing director, U.S. Indo-Pacific Program's German Marshall Fund, previously told Newsweek: "Hegseth described Chinese coercion and aggression against Taiwan and the South China Sea more clearly than any prior U.S. defense secretary. Those are facts, not confrontational posturing. What Happens Next The Shangri-La Dialogue will wrap up on Sunday amid ongoing tensions and unresolved disputes between the two powers. Both sides appear poised to continue their strategic posturing as efforts for diplomatic resolution remain uncertain.
Japan Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
China says Hegseth is touting a Cold War mentality in calling it a threat
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore,Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) China on Sunday denounced U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for calling the Asian country a threat, accusing him of touting a Cold War mentality as tensions between Washington and Beijing further escalate. The foreign ministry said Hegseth had vilified Beijing with defamatory allegations the previous day before at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a global security conference. The statement also accused the United States of inciting conflict and confrontation in the region. 'Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation,' it said, referring to the post-World War II rivalry between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union. 'No country in the world deserves to be called a hegemonic power other than the U.S. itself,' it said, alleging that Washington is also undermining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. Hegseth said in Singapore on Saturday that Washington will bolster its defenses overseas to counter what the Pentagon sees as rapidly developing threats by Beijing, particularly in its aggressive stance toward Taiwan. China's army 'is rehearsing for the real deal,' Hegseth said. 'We are not going to sugarcoat it — the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent.' The Chinese statement stressed that the Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair, saying the U.S. must 'never play with fire' with it. It also alleged Washington had deployed offensive weaponry in the South China Sea, was 'stoking flames and creating tensions in the Asia-Pacific' and "turning the region into a powder keg.' In a Facebook post on Saturday, China's Embassy in Singapore said Hegseth's speech was 'steeped in provocations and instigation.' The U.S. and China had reached a deal last month to cut U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs from 145% to 30% for 90 days, creating time for negotiators from both sides to reach a more substantive agreement. China also reduced its taxes on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. But it's uncertain if a trade war truce will last. Trump in a social media post on Friday said he would no longer be 'nice' with China when it comes to trade and accused Beijing of breaking an unspecified agreement with the U.S. Tensions escalated anew after the U.S. said on Wednesday it would start revoking visas for Chinese students studying there. Separately, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore criticized attempts to link the issue of Taiwan with that of the war in Ukraine after French President Emmanuel Macron warned of a dangerous double standard in focusing on a potential conflict with China at the cost of abandoning Ukraine. The embassy made no mention of Macron in its post on Facebook that included a photo showing the French president at the Singapore forum. 'If one tries to denounce 'double standards' through the lens of a double standard, the only result we can get is still double standard,' it said. China, which usually sends its defense minister to the Shangri-La forum, this time sent a lower-level delegation led by Maj. Gen. Hu Gangfeng, the vice president of the People's Liberation Army National Defense University. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
