China takes flak at Shangri-la dialogue security summit

China, which did not send its top-drawer delegation to this year's edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, copped considerable criticism for its continued flouting of international rules and for the threat it poses to neighbors.At this Singapore-based annual conference featuring military and diplomatic leaders from Asia and across the world, China usually sends a team headed by a defense minister.

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However, this year Beijing's delegation was headed by the relatively lowly Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, Vice-President of China's National Defense University, for the summit held from 30 May till 1 June. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave a speech that was extremely blunt in its assessment of the current threat from China, more so than speeches from any other international defense minister in recent memory. Hegseth asserted at the event, which is organized by the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies:

"The United States is an Indo-Pacific nation... We will continue to be an Indo-Pacific nation, with Indo-Pacific interests, for generations to come." There are some who need reassurance, after the uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump's chaotic and mercantile approach to international politics and tariffs. Hegseth offered comfort, saying, "Under President Trump's leadership, the US is committed to achieving peace through strength.