Debating China’s Future in Open Platforms
China must determine whether continuing to participate in open forums like the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) benefits its goals or if retreating from such engagements is a more favourable approach, said Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on June 12.
Speaking during the Seventh Plenary Session of the SLD, Minister Ng responded to comments from Senior Colonel Zhao Xiaozhuo of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), who highlighted mixed perceptions of the forum. While some view the SLD as a platform fostering communication and collaboration among high-ranking officials, others criticise it as dominated by the United States and its allies, focusing more on divisions than convergence.
Minister Ng addressed these concerns by contrasting the open, liberal nature of the SLD with the structured predictability of other forums like the Xiangshan Security Forum in China. He acknowledged that the SLD’s format might feel disorienting to participants accustomed to more controlled settings but argued that such openness encourages exchange and understanding.
“China must decide whether to engage in a platform that subjects itself to robust questioning and debate or to retreat from such engagements,” he stated.
Future Participation Unclear
China’s level of representation at the SLD has varied over the years. While Defence Minister Wei Fenghe attended this year’s dialogue and the 2019 edition, minister-level participation was absent for eight years prior, raising questions about future involvement.
Minister Ng suggested that forums like the SLD remain valuable in fostering international understanding of China’s perspectives, even if such platforms sometimes challenge participants. Reflecting on his experience at the Xiangshan Forum, Ng noted that its systematic approach was beneficial but sometimes left attendees yearning for more open exchanges.
“There’s a cultural courtesy—ke qi—that sometimes prevents candid discussion,” he observed. “SLD offers a unique opportunity for nations to express and clarify their positions in a way that scripted events cannot.”
A Platform for Global Security Dialogue
Ng reiterated the optional nature of forums like the SLD, emphasising that their value depends on whether participants find the engagement worthwhile. The SLD, with its open format, provides a stage for countries to present their views and address global security concerns, fostering dialogue that structured forums might not accommodate.
As geopolitical tensions and differing strategies continue to shape Asia-Pacific security, China’s decision regarding its engagement with platforms like the SLD will influence regional dynamics and its international relationships.
