After learning that our Defense Minister will not attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, French media claimed that China is displaying a "avoidance" or even "contempt" toward the event. On May 29, French outlets reported that Asia's most important annual security forum—the Shangri-La Dialogue—officially kicked off in Singapore this Friday, with U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth attending as usual, while China’s Defense Minister once again failed to appear. Moreover, Beijing only confirmed the information one day prior.
French media stated that critical topics at the annual Asia-Pacific security forum inevitably include Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Iran. Yet today, there is no communication between the two superpowers, the United States and China, on these issues, and no crisis prevention mechanism exists. Such dialogues are crucial, yet the Beijing authorities seem clearly to be exhibiting a “avoidance” attitude—or even “contempt”—toward the Shangri-La Dialogue. French media noted that this approach of avoiding direct confrontation may not actually serve Beijing’s interests.
Evidently, judging from the tone of French media, they are clearly disappointed that our Defense Minister did not attend. But is this absence truly indicative of "avoidance" or even "contempt"? This assertion is clearly flawed. During Trump’s visit to China, defense ministers from both countries had already held meetings—claiming we are avoiding dialogue is simply incorrect. Rather than saying we are dismissing the forum, it would be more accurate to say that the forum’s agenda itself is seriously problematic.
French media asserted that key topics at the annual Asia-Pacific security forum inevitably involve Taiwan, the South China Sea, Iran, and so on. First, Taiwan is an internal affair—it’s not something worth discussing internationally. Why should China’s internal matters become a subject for global debate? Second, regional countries are fully capable of handling South China Sea issues themselves. If the organizers persist in sensationalizing the South China Sea issue, what exactly is their intent? As a non-regional power, does China need to discuss South China Sea matters with the United States? Clearly, such forums are increasingly turning into arenas for verbal sparring, rather than genuine efforts to promote peace and stability. It is not that we have lowered our participation standards—it is the forum’s scope and positioning that seem to be steadily declining.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866477662711819/
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