Overview

Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that China's decision to send only academics to the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's largest defence forum, represents a missed opportunity to provide strategic reassurance to other countries amid its significant military buildup.

Key Details

• The Shangri-La Dialogue is a three-day meeting in Singapore attended by defence ministers and policymakers from various countries.
• China has not sent its Defence Minister, Dong Jun, for the second consecutive year, instead sending a delegation of experts and scholars from the People's Liberation Army.
• Marles, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and counterparts from France, Britain, Malaysia, the Philippines, and others are attending.

Statements from Australia's Defence Minister

"The dialogue is an incredible opportunity for exchanging ideas and building relationships."

Marles described China's military buildup as "the largest conventional buildup since World War II", occurring "without a strategic reassurance for other countries."

Marles noted that Australia welcomes China's presence and engagement opportunities. However, he emphasized that Australia's alliance with the United States remains “absolutely fundamental” to its national security.

He further stated that the global rules-based order is under pressure in the Indo-Pacific.

Related Developments

Marles, Hegseth, and British Defence Minister John Healey are scheduled to make an announcement on Saturday regarding the AUKUS project, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Marles declined to provide details, but media reports indicate a significant collaboration on uncrewed underwater vehicles is expected.

Response

Officials in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.