Shangri-La Dialogue Spotlights China Tensions

At Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Western and regional officials intensified warnings about China’s rapid military expansion and assertiveness, while Beijing rejected accusations of destabilization. Australia pressed China to explain its unprecedented military buildup as Canberra advances AUKUS and raises defense spending. The U.S. emphasized enduring Indo-Pacific priority, urging allies to enhance capabilities and burden-sharing amid concerns that PLA activities around Taiwan are “rehearsals” for conflict. Concurrently, China accelerated pilot training in aerial refuelling to boost long-range combat readiness, underscoring its drive for a strategic air force. The forum’s heated exchanges, reduced Chinese presence, and expanded U.S. missile defense and alliance coordination highlighted sharpening great-power competition and the stakes for regional rules and stability.

Key Points

• Australia demands transparency on China’s large-scale military buildup while advancing AUKUS and defense spending.
• U.S. officials warn PLA actions near Taiwan are “rehearsals,” pledging support to allies and urging greater burden-sharing.
• China expands early aerial refuelling training to speed combat readiness and project longer-range power.
• Beijing rebuffs U.S. and allied criticism at Shangri-La, accusing Washington of hegemonism amid a smaller Chinese delegation.
• Regional security linkages deepen, with Europe-Asia ties and allied missile defense and coordination gaining prominence.