एशियाई सुरक्षा सम्मेलन में चीनी रक्षा मंत्री, यूक्रेन के ज़ेलेंस्की का दबदबा

Chinese Defence Minister, Ukraine's Zelenskiy Dominate Asian Security Conference

SINGAPORE (Reuters) — China's defense chief, Dong Jun, criticized "separatists" in Taiwan in a sharply worded address at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was scheduled to speak at the conference.

Dressed in his People's Liberation Army Navy admiral uniform, Dong asserted that the chances for a peaceful "reunification" of Taiwan were diminishing and vowed that the island would never achieve independence. China considers Taiwan, a democratically governed entity, as part of its territory, despite strong opposition from Taipei's government. Last month, China conducted military exercises around Taiwan in response to the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a "separatist."

Dong accused Taiwanese separatists of making "fanatical statements" that he claimed betrayed the Chinese nation and their ancestors, asserting that they would be condemned by history. "They will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history," Dong declared.

A U.S. official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic, remarked that Dong's speech presented little new information. "Every year for three years, a new Chinese defence minister has come to Shangri-La," the official said. "And every year, they’ve given a speech at complete odds with the reality of the PLA’s coercive activity across the region. This year was no different.”

Dong's remarks followed a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the conference, emphasizing that the Indo-Pacific region remains a critical focus for the United States, even as it manages security assistance for Ukraine and contends with the conflict in Gaza.

The stark contrast in speeches highlights ongoing tensions in the region, with China asserting its territorial claims and the U.S. reaffirming its commitment to regional stability amid global security challenges.

News Reference