Who did the Chinese Defense Minister meet in Singapore?, "Xianghui" does not "see" the US Defense Minister Defense | China | Xianghui
The 20th Shangri La Dialogue concluded in Singapore on the 4th. During the conference, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu exchanged views with defense department leaders or delegation heads from more than ten countries and international organizations on issues of common concern.
"During Minister Li Shangfu's visit to Singapore, he fully utilized this opportunity to engage in bilateral activities." Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the War Research Institute of the Academy of Military Sciences, stated in an interview with China News Agency that besides the highly focused absence of a meeting between the Chinese and US defense ministers, China's communication and exchanges with other parties are worth paying attention to.
This expert pointed out that instead of being fixated on whether the Chinese and American defense ministers can see each other, it is better to pay attention to who the Chinese defense ministers met and what they talked about during the "incense ceremony".
As stated, firstly, the main significance of China's participation in this meeting in face-to-face communication with relevant parties regarding some prominent and sensitive issues is to strengthen crisis management and draw a "red line".
On the afternoon of the 3rd, Li Shangfu held talks with Japanese Defense Minister Yasuhiro Hamada.
In mid May, Li Shangfu and Yasuyoshi Hamada made their first direct phone call using the sea and air communication mechanism between the Chinese and Japanese defense departments. According to official Chinese news, the establishment and operation of direct telephones will effectively enrich communication channels between the defense departments of both countries and strengthen their maritime and air crisis management capabilities. During the "incense ceremony", both China and Japan also affirmed the above-mentioned communication mechanism.
Secondly, for countries or international organizations that have established good communication mechanisms and maintained exchange and cooperation, the role of face-to-face communication is to further expand communication channels and deepen existing practical cooperation.
A typical example is that, on the basis of maintaining close exchanges at all levels between the Chinese and Singaporean armies, the defense departments of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on June 1 to establish a direct and confidential telephone communication line, promoting the defense relationship between China and Singapore to a new level.
For example, China firmly supports the central position of ASEAN in the regional architecture, supports the construction of the ASEAN community, supports ASEAN's strategic autonomy, and is committed to promoting the construction of a closer China ASEAN community with a shared future.
"The exchange between China and ASEAN countries is not only to deepen bilateral cooperation, but also to express active support for ASEAN's role as a regional center through this means," Zhao Xiaozhuo said.
In addition, the important role of bilateral meetings is to deepen mutual understanding, enhance mutual trust, seek common interests, and explore space for cooperation.
During the "Fragrance Festival", Li Shangfu held more than ten talks with relevant parties, including countries and international organizations such as the Philippines, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and the European Union.
Zhu Qichao, Deputy Director of the National Defense Technology Strategy Research Think Tank at the University of National Defense Technology, pointed out that during the "Fragrance Conference", the Chinese delegation held meetings with the defense departments of many countries and international organizations, demonstrating China's active participation in joint management of regional affairs and willingness to sit down and share China's views on relevant issues with all parties, treating existing problems with a constructive attitude.
The outside world has noticed that in the exchange, China is willing to share practices and showcase plans for reference by all parties. Zhu Qichao said that this itself is a manifestation of openness and transparency.
"We adhere to the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, and China will listen carefully to some objective criticisms from the outside world. However, we must resolutely counterattack those views that deliberately exaggerate, exaggerate, or even defame China." This expert also pointed out that China is willing to join hands with those kind-hearted forces who care about regional peace and stability to maintain regional stability and prosperity, and jointly build a better Asia Pacific region.
