U.S. Warns of Growing China-Taiwan Tensions Amid Shangri-La Snub

This will be the first time since 2019 that China will not be represented by its defence minister at the annual security summit, a key platform where Beijing’s positions on flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea have drawn intense international scrutiny over the years. This will be the first time since 2019 that China will not be represented by its defence minister at the annual security summit, a key platform where Beijing’s positions on flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea have drawn intense international scrutiny over the years.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth holds a multilateral meeting with Asean defence leaders

China has opted not to send its defense minister to the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue, a key Asia-Pacific security forum, fueling speculation about rising tensions with the U.S. over Taiwan. Instead, a lower-level military delegation will attend, marking the first time in five years China skips high-level representation.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is attending and has warned of China’s escalating military posture. He affirmed America’s commitment to regional allies and deterrence, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

China’s absence signals diplomatic friction amid ongoing economic and military disputes, including aggressive moves in the South China Sea and trade war flashpoints. Analysts believe China may be prioritizing economic diplomacy over military engagement for now, but warn that its stance is increasingly confrontational.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the summit, accused China of double standards—opposing NATO’s presence in Asia while ignoring North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.