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China blitzes Shangri-La Dialogue, but did it win?
The forum’s gladiatorial format may not be to the PLA’s liking, but it is still seen as a necessary mission.
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Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu (foreground, left) at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2.
PHOTO: REUTERS
SINGAPORE - For years, China refused to fully get on board the Shangri-La Dialogue, the most important Asian security conference that gathers defence ministers, military leaders and analysts together to discuss regional issues.
No amount of cajoling from the organiser, British think-tank International Institute for Strategic Studies – with the help of Singapore’s Defence Ministry – would move the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to send its top-ranking officials here.
