Sat May 31 08:29:08 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun’s absence from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore raised concerns amidst escalating tensions between China and the United States. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seized the opportunity to warn of the imminent military threat posed by China, citing its actions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. He urged Asian nations to increase defense spending and reassured them of the U.S.’s commitment to the region. Analysts suggest Dong’s absence may be due to internal issues within the Chinese military, delicate US-China relations or potential risks of scrutiny at the forum. Despite the absence, China has maintained that communication channels with the U.S. remain open.
**News Article:**
**China’s Defense Minister Skips Key Security Forum, U.S. Warns of ‘Imminent’ Threat**
**Singapore** – The Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier security forum, was marked by the notable absence of China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun this weekend, fueling speculation and concerns amidst already strained relations between China and the United States. Beijing sent a lower-ranking delegation in his stead, the first time since 2019 China has not sent its defense minister, excluding pandemic cancellations.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used the opportunity to deliver a stark warning about the potential military threat posed by China. “It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth told delegates, pointing to China’s military drills near Taiwan and increasing activity in the South China Sea. “The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” he said.
Hegseth also urged Asian nations to increase their defense spending, drawing a comparison to European nations. He reassured allies of the U.S.’s commitment to Asia Pacific security, stating, “America is proud to be back in the Indo-Pacific, and we’re here to stay.”
Analysts suggest various reasons for Dong’s absence. Some believe Beijing didn’t want to risk potential missteps or scrutiny during a sensitive period in U.S.-China relations, especially given the current tariff war. Others point to internal turmoil within the Chinese military, including recent investigations and rumors of a purge of top officials, as reasons why China might have avoided sending a high-profile representative.
Despite Dong’s absence, Chinese military spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang insisted that communication channels between U.S. and Chinese defense officials remain open, emphasizing the importance China places on the relationship.
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