The Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore was missing one important face — China’s Defense Minster Dong Jun. It was his first missed appearance at the event since 2019. To be sure, tensions are ratcheting up all across the Asia-Pacific region. This is especially in response to China’s increasingly aggressive approach toward Taiwan and escalation in the South China Sea. The Chinese delegation was led by Major General Hu Gangfeng, the Vice President of the National Defense University of the People’s Liberation Army. Their seating at this most high-profile security forum was distinctly lower than that of others present.
Dong Jun’s withdrawal casts new doubt on China’s willingness to participate in good faith in multilateral talks focused on easing regional security tensions. On its face, the decision looks precisely aligned with Beijing’s overall strategy. Instead, they’re concentrating on strengthening those connections through other forums—like APEC—that leave the United States out. This approach reflects the DOD’s clear intent to dictate the public narrative of its military activities. It wants to strengthen its sovereignty claims over Taiwan without outside interference.
China’s policy on Taiwan has not changed. A commitment to so-called “reunification” is ingrained in the government of the island—officially considered a breakaway province by Beijing. In recent months, China has increased military intimidation of Taiwan. They have been increasingly deploying aircraft and naval vessels close to the island. This escalation further indicates an aggressive intent to reclaim control over the territory it deems its own.
At the summit, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth underscored why we must urgently address China’s malign conduct. He described it as a wake-up call to regional allies to act. He stated, “China has demonstrated that it wants to fundamentally alter the region’s status quo. We cannot look away and we cannot ignore it.” Hegseth called on our allies and partners to increase their own defense budgets in order to respond to the increased threats from China.
The summit was filled with energetic, dynamic exchanges on the future of cooperative maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region. China has expressed a very strong interest in joining these efforts. Major General Hu Gangfeng’s attendance was anticipated for this special session, which highlights China’s efforts to engage with regional partners while simultaneously sidestepping direct involvement in platforms dominated by U.S. interests.
First, China’s assertive military behavior has alarmed countries along its periphery and world powers as well. Yet, the Pentagon consistently opposes all of these measures. They argue that these actions erode regional sovereignty and jeopardize freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Hegseth went on to praise China’s new and mysterious military exercises taking place around Taiwan. He noted that these steps outlie its plan to ramp up the squeeze on the island.
In contrast to China’s cautious engagement at the summit, Hegseth remarked on the significance of U.S. participation, saying, “We are here this morning. Somebody else isn’t.” This response highlights the differing strategies taken by both countries to tackle the challenge of security in the region.
Even as the U.S. struck, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. issued a stark warning against escalating conflict. In short order, they ensured that the U.S. knows that if it desires war—be it a tariff war, trade war, or some other variety—China is willing to engage until the last dog dies. This comment is indicative of a new, heightened receptiveness on Beijing’s part to challenging the threats they see head-on.
Furthermore, last year’s remarks from Dong Jun at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlighted China’s view on Taiwan’s status. He further threatened that any military forces attempting to remove Taiwan from China’s influence would encounter “self-destruction.” This statement codifies a hardline position against China’s expansive territorial claims.
The evolving dynamics between China and its neighbors, particularly concerning Taiwan and maritime security, necessitate close observation by regional allies. The lack of attendance by senior Chinese defense officials at key forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue points to a strategic recalibration on China’s part. To the US’s frustration, China appears to be sidestepping the actual confrontation while advancing its interests through other avenues.