Beijing views the self-governed island as its territory that must be brought under its control, by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as independent, but are opposed to unilateral change of the cross-strait status quo by force. Cross-strait relations, already strained over the past eight years, deteriorated further … Read more
He highlighted that the differences between the two nations will last “quite long”, pointing to the fundamental difference in their political systems. The US is a democracy while China is ruled by the Communist Party. “There are bound to be differences. It’s not going to go away overnight. So, we have to find some level … Read more
SINGAPORE: Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy is speaking to the media following an address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday (Jun 2). Earlier he told delegates at the annual security forum that that diplomacy – in the form of a peace summit later this month – was the best way to end a “cruel war” that has killed thousands … Read more
SINGAPORE: Lessons have been learnt on the “cost of aggression” elsewhere and resolve has strengthened across the board to ensure conflict does not break out in Asia, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Saturday (Jun 1). Speaking to reporters during a sit-down interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence summit, Dr Ng said … Read more
He is also set to ask attendees at the conference to attend and support a “peace summit”, scheduled for Jun 15 to 16, in Switzerland. “Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presence at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue comes at an important time. We eagerly await his remarks,” said IISS Director-General and Chief Executive Bastian Giegerich. Mr Zelenskyy later posted on X … Read more
“I WILL ANSWER THE PHONE” The Shangri-La Dialogue, attended by defence officials from around the world, has become a barometer of US-China relations in recent years. This year’s edition comes a week after China held military drills around self-ruled Taiwan and warned of war over the US-backed island following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, … Read more
US-CHINA RELATIONS The US’ growing presence in the region and its regular deployment of warships and fighter jets in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea have infuriated China’s leaders in Beijing. China has accused the US of using the Philippines as a “pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea”. Earlier on … Read more
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet his Chinese counterpart, the Pentagon announced on Friday (May 24), after China carried out war games around Taiwan in a sign to the US-backed democracy’s new leader. The Pentagon said that Austin would meet Chinese Admiral Dong Jun when they attend the May 31 to Jun 2 Shangri-La … Read more
