Shangri-La Dialogue: China's belligerent address is detached from reality
While the speech by US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan at the Shangri-La Dialogue yesterday was mild mannered, the same was not true of the Chinese Minister of National Defence Gen Wei Fenghe. His audience was left in no doubt of China’s intentions by his bellicose comments.
For example, Wei emphatically underscored in Mandarin: ‘China must and will be reunified. We find no excuse not to do so. If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military has no choice but to fight at all costs for national unity.’
The last time China sent a defence minister to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
You may also like
More from China Rising: Special Report
-
![Chinese shipbuilder launches ‘combat-ready’ JARI USV]()
Chinese shipbuilder launches ‘combat-ready’ JARI USV
The No. 716 Research Institute of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) launched a long-awaited USV on 21 August, according to an announcement on the …
-
![Is the ‘Red Dragon’ fearsome or friendly?]()
Is the ‘Red Dragon’ fearsome or friendly?
If Beijing’s leaders and its numerous mouthpieces are to be believed, China is a friendly and cuddly panda intent on holding the world together. Then …
-
![Asian nations boost spy satellite capacities]()
Asian nations boost spy satellite capacities
Asian countries continue to enhance their satellite constellations, with China, India and South Korea all making recent announcements in the space realm. China, for instance, …
-
![Analysis: China seeks to dominate the seas]()
Analysis: China seeks to dominate the seas
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) focus as stated by China’s latest Defence White Paper is to build a strong and modernised naval force …
-
![Analysis: China's PLA moves towards expeditionary operations]()
Analysis: China's PLA moves towards expeditionary operations
In possession of the second largest defence budget in the world, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is in the midst of reforming its personnel, …
-
Analysis: China's air force sees shift in strategic mission
China’s shifting focus from traditional security concerns to global power competition has brought along changes in People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF) strategic mission.
