The Shangri-La Dialogue, a significant annual security summit, took place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore from June 1-2, 2024. This gathering saw high-level participation from global defense officials, including Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During the event, tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea were highlighted. President Marcos Jr. warned against confrontations between their coast guards, while Admiral Dong accused the Philippines of engaging in "blackmail."
A notable moment was a first-time face-to-face meeting between Secretary Austin and Minister Dong, where they discussed issues such as Taiwan and South China Sea disputes. Audience members, including Senior Colonel Yanzhong Cao of the Chinese PLA, questioned the US about its alliances in Asia, prompting Austin to assert that NATO’s eastward expansion did not cause the Ukraine crisis.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise appearance, speaking about the ongoing conflict with Russia. He criticized China’s support for Russia and used the platform to seek additional backing for Ukraine, though he did not secure a meeting with Chinese officials.
The dialogue also included remarks from Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who focused on the Middle East conflict and called for investigations into Israeli actions in Gaza. Concerns about Trump's potential return to office were also addressed, reflecting wider anxieties about the implications for US alliances in Asia.
Overall, the event underscored the complex and volatile geopolitical landscape, with discussions ranging from military tensions to political uncertainties.