Kyiv [Ukraine], June 3: The Shangri-La Dialogue yesterday, June 2, witnessed two attention-grabbing speeches from Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Reuters.
On the last day of the annual forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS, UK) in Singapore with the participation of representatives of many countries and organizations, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Quan warned in advance. ready to take decisive actions to prevent Taiwan independence, AFP reported. Mr. Dong affirmed that Taiwan is China's core interest and wants peaceful reunification, but that prospect is being eroded. He emphasized that Beijing will never allow Taiwan independence.
In addition, Mr. Dong stated that there are "limits" to Beijing's level of restraint when it comes to the East Sea issue and ballistic missiles deployed in the Asia-Pacific region. "China is extremely restrained in the face of violations of rights and provocations, but this restraint also has limits," AFP quoted the Chinese Minister as saying.
Also in the speech, the Chinese Defense Minister called for increased exchanges in the military field with the US . "We are always open to exchange and cooperation activities, but this requires efforts from both sides," Mr. Dong said, adding that the US and Chinese militaries have many differences and need to step up. exchange to pass.
A day earlier, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also gave a speech at the forum, emphasizing that the Asia-Pacific region is a priority because security here is closely tied to the US. On May 31, Mr. Dong and Mr. Austin held talks on the sidelines of the event, with the focus being on the Taiwan issue. Despite the tense atmosphere, both sides also sought to stabilize relations.
Mr. Zelensky went to campaign
Yesterday, Ukrainian President Zelensky also gave an unscheduled speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, according to AFP. Mr. Zelensky said that so far, more than 100 countries and organizations have announced their participation in the peace conference in Switzerland in mid-June in an effort to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine. He urged Asia-Pacific countries to participate.
Mr. Zelensky expressed disappointment that "some world leaders" had not registered to attend, but did not mention who. He also accused China of preventing countries from participating, according to Reuters. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the allegations. Meanwhile, Washington has yet to announce whether US President Joe Biden will be present or not, especially at a time when the race to the White House is heating up day by day.
President Zelensky also met US Secretary of Defense Austin on the sidelines of the forum. Sharing on social network bilateral security. Pentagon spokesman Par Ryder said Secretary Austin once again emphasized America's unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, AFP quoted Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Ngo Khiem as saying that he did not know of any plans indicating the possibility of Mr. Zelensky meeting Dong Quan Minister in Singapore.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
