Shangri-La Dialogue - keeping channels open in dangerous times

As US-China rivalry intensifies, the trusted role that Singapore plays and the forum it provides take on growing importance.

(Foreground, from left) Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmytro Senik, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, South Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup, Netherlands Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren, Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, China’s State Councillor and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and Laos’ Major-General Chanthong Sonetaath chatting before a ministerial working lunch during the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 11, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS
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What happens when you gather defence ministers and their officials from 59 countries, including from the two most powerful in the world, under one roof to talk about war and peace?

You hope they won't spend the time discussing their war plans and how to inflict the greatest pain on their enemies.

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