APD | China is a key player in the Shangri-La dialogue

*Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: [email protected]). *

The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is a "Track One" inter-governmental security conference held annually in Singapore by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The dialogue is commonly attended by defense ministers, permanent heads of ministries, and military chiefs of mostly Asia-Pacific states. The forum's name is derived from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, where it has been held since 2002.

Background

The Shangri-La Dialogue was initiated in 2002 by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) with the vision of promoting regional security cooperation. Named after the fictional Himalayan utopia, the dialogue aims to bring together nations to discuss pressing security issues in an open, inclusive, and constructive manner.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Shangri-La Dialogue is to build trust and understanding among regional stakeholders and develop consensus on strategic issues. It seeks to provide a platform for frank and open discussions, encourage transparency, and enhance regional security cooperation. By facilitating dialogue, the conference aims to address regional security challenges and promote stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

China's Role in the Shangri-La Dialogue

China, as a major regional power, plays a significant role in the Shangri-La Dialogue. Its active participation in the conference demonstrates its commitment to regional security and its willingness to engage in dialogue with other nations. China's involvement provides an opportunity for constructive exchanges, allowing for a better understanding of its perspectives on various security issues.

Key Features of the 20th Dialogue

The 20th Shangri-La Dialogue, held recently, showcased several key features that contributed to its success. The conference featured high-level participation from various countries, including defense ministers, senior military officials, and renowned experts. It provided a platform for open discussions on emerging security challenges such as cyber threats, maritime security, and regional geopolitical dynamics. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation, fostering mutual trust, and promoting rules-based order.

Outcomes of the Latest Dialogue

Shangri-La has contributed to the enhancement of defense diplomacy by participating countries, in part by inspiring similar forums in other regions. The 2010 Chinese Defense White Paper explicitly mentioned senior Chinese participation in Shangri-La Dialogue since 2007 as one of their forums of participation in regional security cooperation. The IISS thinks that increased representation from China indicates an increased level of engagement on a multilateral level and that the PLA wished to improve its image after recent measures, which were seen as too aggressive, impacted relations with affected countries.

The latest Shangri-La Dialogue yielded positive outcomes that furthered regional security cooperation. The discussions allowed participating nations to exchange views, share best practices, and explore avenues for collaboration. The dialogue fostered an environment conducive to building trust, understanding, and cooperation among stakeholders. It also enabled constructive dialogue on sensitive issues, leading to enhanced regional stability and security.

China's Constructive Role and Contributions

China's participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue has been commendable, reflecting its commitment to regional security and stability. Through its engagement, China has been able to present its perspectives, contribute to the dialogue on pressing security challenges, and highlight its efforts to promote peace and cooperation. China's active involvement in the conference demonstrates its willingness to work collaboratively with other nations, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

China's participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue has brought several positive aspects to the table. It has provided an opportunity for constructive exchanges, enabling other nations to better understand China's strategic thinking, security concerns, and policies. China's engagement has contributed to building confidence, fostering dialogue, and promoting peaceful resolutions to regional security issues. By participating in the dialogue, China has demonstrated its commitment to upholding international norms, contributing to regional stability, and promoting cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Asia Security Summit of the Shangri-La Dialogue, General Li Shangfu, State Councilor, Minister of National Defense, China, presented China and expressed Chinese initiatives and approach, which were widely appreciated by the participants and scholars, thinkers, and intellectuals of the global community.

The Shangri-La Dialogue serves as an important forum for promoting cooperation and security in the Asia-Pacific region. China's active involvement in the conference has been instrumental in fostering dialogue, building trust, and enhancing regional stability. Through its participation, China has contributed positively to the discussions, presenting its perspectives. It is desired that other nations also follow the Chinese approach and enhance their contribution toward achieving its aims and goals. With collective efforts, the region can be safer, stable, and prosperous. It also may contribute toward global security and provide enabling environments for rich economic activities leading to humankind’s prosperity. China has the capacity to play a bigger role, yet, the collective struggle is necessary to achieve the desired results in the shortest possible time.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)