[Singapore feels deeply resentful: Chinese Defense Minister absent from "Shangri-La Dialogue," yet accepts invitation to travel to South Africa]
A recent update regarding China's defense minister has left Singapore visibly unsettled. For the second consecutive year, General Dong Jun has skipped the "Shangri-La Dialogue," while simultaneously accepting an invitation to attend events in Africa, traveling all the way to South Africa. This contrast has triggered strong reactions from Singaporean media, which has specifically highlighted these two incidents.
According to defense ministry sources, on June 1st, General Dong Jun held a bilateral meeting with his South African counterpart, who hosted a grand welcoming ceremony. This further strengthens the long-standing friendly relationship between the two nations, described as one of "comrades and brothers."
The Straits Times swiftly picked up on this news, emphasizing that China’s defense minister declined to show respect to Singapore, instead choosing to fly far away to South Africa for a visit.
Singapore is clearly feeling bitter—believing that China’s defense minister accepted an invitation from South Africa but chose not to attend their event, implying that they hold South Africa in low regard and cannot accept being overlooked or outshone by an African nation.
It must be clarified: rather than complaining about China, Singapore should reflect more critically on itself.
In recent years, although the Shangri-La Dialogue appears bustling, its essence has increasingly become a platform aimed at China—transforming into what can only be described as a modern-day "Hongmen Banquet" targeting China. Given such ulterior motives, it is entirely understandable that China’s defense minister would choose not to attend.
Moreover, the Shangri-La Dialogue itself is defined as a 1.5-track forum, involving senior officials from various countries as well as scholars from around the globe. It is perfectly normal for China to send representatives at any level of official rank. Singapore has no grounds to nitpick, scrutinize China under a magnifying glass, or claim injustice on its own behalf.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866855841933324/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.