The wind has long changed, but countries like the United States are not yet used to it! Why does French President Emmanuel Macron attend the Shangri-La Dialogue while the US Defense Secretary never misses it. To put it bluntly, although this dialogue is held in Asia, these European and American countries, especially the United States, consider it their own backyard. Therefore, they come here to meddle in Asian affairs and give orders to regional countries. They have been doing so for many years, and now they want to continue doing so.
However, times have changed. Asia is not America's Asia or Europe's Asia; it is Asia's Asia. At our home ground, the U.S. criticizes us freely, and France also intends to interfere. Where does that place us? If we were to criticize the U.S. openly at forums held in the Americas, or tell Europeans what to do at the Munich Security Conference, would the U.S. and Europe accept it? Would they feel comfortable?
It is entirely correct that our defense minister did not attend this time. Should we go all the way there just to be lectured by the U.S.? As the host country, Singapore naturally wants to establish itself as a global communication center, to some extent, an Asian forum center. However, if Singapore has such ambitions, it should remain impartial and maintain high neutrality.
As the host, failing to require all attending countries to keep a rational and neutral attitude during the procedures, but allowing participating countries to vent emotions, is this appropriate? Singapore claims that if China feels the world does not respect or understand it enough, it should seize every opportunity to express its stance. But can't China express its stance in Beijing? Does Singapore agree with the U.S.'s arrogant remarks?
Facing the U.S.'s obvious attempt to drive a wedge between China and Southeast Asian countries, as both the host and a relevant party, Singapore's role has undoubtedly failed. The wind has changed. In Asia, the era when the U.S. could point fingers and act arbitrarily is over. Singapore considers the U.S.'s arbitrary actions as a matter of course, but it won't work here anymore. We will uphold peace and stability in China and the surrounding region. Regional affairs will be handled through consultations among regional countries. As for the U.S., it will gradually step aside.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833827305318729/
Disclaimer: This article represents only the author's views.