The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is held every year in Singapore to discuss security and defense related issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Sponsored by IISS, the forum draws defense ministers, military chiefs, and other top brass from around the world. These delegations convene to discuss pressing security problems and explore potential spaces for cooperation.
It is worth noting that the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue (21st) included several distinguished speakers, including the US Secretary of Defense, the Chinese Minister of National Defense, and the President of Ukraine. This commentary attempts to shed light on the principal topic of the 2024 Dialogue and to present the views and opinions expressed by the leaders who spearheaded the dialogues. Furthermore, it is an attempt to examine the geostrategic implications of these dialogues on international diplomacy and overall global security.
Opening Remarks and General Themes
The Executive Chairman of IISS, Sir John Chipman, began the Dialogue with his opening remarks, emphasizing that the world is facing a pivotal moment. Chipman drew attention to the fragility of the architecture of the rules-based order, and the growing demands on contiguous states from state and non-state actors. He underscored the significance of reinvigorated international commitment to norms, principles, and initiatives that reinforce strategic stability. He also highlighted that the Dialogue serves as a forum for discussion and a platform for ideas that can help manage risks and bolster regional security.
Chipman’s comments provided a helpful context for further conversations on geopolitical friction, strategic competition, crisis management, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. These views were further reinforced by the panel of exceptional speakers who were present at the Dialogue itself.
Key Addresses: US, China, and Ukraine
Lloyd J. Austin III, US Secretary of Defense
The opening and first plenary session included a keynote presentation by the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, in which he expressed the US’s unwavering commitment to the Indo-Pacific. Austin underscored the value of strategic partnerships and alliances, underscoring the US’s commitment to the security and prosperity of the region. He reiterated the Biden administration’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, despite the ongoing challenges posed by global security threats such as climate change, the pandemic, nuclear dangers, terrorism, and geopolitical conflicts
In a session following the keynote, Austin suggested that a “new convergence” could be beneficial to bolster security in the region. He described this as involving various initiatives and institutions that overlapped and were supplementary. He also shared a blueprint and some obligations. He suggested that the security architecture in the Indo-Pacific had evolved beyond the traditional hub-and-spokes model, moving towards a more interconnected and collaborative network of partnerships. Austin believes that this is essential for navigating the complex security landscape of the 21st century and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Admiral Dong Jun, Chinese Minister of National Defense
Admiral Dong Jun, the Chinese Minister of National Defense, presented China’s perspective on global security during the fifth plenary session. Dong’s speech highlighted China’s commitment to peace and development, emphasizing the principles of harmony, mutual respect, and non-aggression. He articulated China’s strategic culture, which is anchored in the pursuit of peaceful development and the rejection of hegemony or expansionism.
Dong addressed the importance of regional cooperation and the need to uphold a multipolar world where countries respect each other’s sovereignty and pursue common security goals. He reiterated China’s stance on various international security issues, including the Taiwan question and the South China Sea, and emphasized the country’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.
Dong’s remarks also touched upon China’s broader security initiatives, such as the Global Security Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, which aim to promote collective security and development. He called for greater military-to-military exchanges and cooperation to enhance mutual trust and stability in the region.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
In his address during the 7th plenary session, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on global security. Zelenskyy noted that the lack of diplomatic engagement at the outset of the conflict has presented challenges for Ukraine in defending itself against Russian encroachment. He then expressed concern that the international community has not yet reacted strongly enough to the crisis. He emphasized the need for forceful intervention and swift action in dealing with the situation.
In his address to the session, Zelenskyy underscored the significance of collective security and the potential role international coalitions could play in supporting Ukraine in its resistance. He also presented a comprehensive overview of the various military and humanitarian initiatives undertaken by Ukraine and its allies, including the deployment of air defense systems, the establishment of joint production facilities for weapons, and the implementation of counter-cyber operations. In addressing the humanitarian side of the crisis, Zelenskyy highlighted the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia and urged for the cessation of hostilities and the power of peace.
Summary of Other Key Speakers
Josep Borrell Fontelles, European Union
Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union, emphasized the importance of Indo-Pacific security for Europe. He highlighted the EU’s strategic approach to building cooperative security frameworks in the region, focusing on partnerships based on mutual trust and shared values. Borrell underscored the interconnectedness of security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, noting that regional instability in Asia can have significant repercussions for Europe’s security environment.
Shin Won-sik, Republic of Korea
Shin Won-sik, the Minister of National Defense for the Republic of Korea, highlighted the escalating threats posed by North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile programs. Shin underscored the existential threat that these developments pose not only to the Korean Peninsula but also to regional and global security. He called for a unified international response to counter North Korea’s provocations and emphasized the importance of upholding United Nations Security Council resolutions to maintain pressure on the regime.
Sébastien Lecornu, France
Sébastien Lecornu, the Minister of the Armed Forces of France, focused on the broader challenges of crisis management in an increasingly competitive international environment. Lecornu stressed the importance of maintaining unity and cooperation among European nations and their allies in the face of rising geopolitical tensions. He highlighted France’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and the need for sustained partnerships to address shared security concerns, such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and humanitarian crises caused by natural disasters.
General (Retd) Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia
General (Retd) Prabowo Subianto, the Minister of Defense and President-elect of Indonesia, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and respect for international law as foundational principles for achieving lasting peace and security. He highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to promoting a rules-based international order and its efforts to foster inclusive dialogue and collaboration in addressing regional and global challenges. Prabowo also emphasized the humanitarian aspect of security, calling for comprehensive investigations into conflicts and a greater focus on protecting civilian lives.
Key Issues and Strategic Insights
US-China Relations and Strategic Competition
The speeches by Austin and Dong highlighted the complex and often contentious nature of US-China relations. While both leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation, they also underscored the deep-seated strategic rivalries and differing security priorities. Austin’s focus on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening alliances contrasted with Dong’s emphasis on regional autonomy and resistance to external interference.
The discussions underscored the need for continued engagement and communication between the US and China to manage their differences and avoid misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict. The Dialogue provided a platform for both countries to articulate their positions and explore potential areas of cooperation, such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and response to pandemic.
Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Zelenskyy’s address brought the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict to the forefront of the Dialogue, highlighting its far-reaching implications for global security. The conflict has not only destabilized Eastern Europe but also posed significant challenges to the international order. Zelenskyy’s call for a united international response and the establishment of a new security architecture for Ukraine resonated with the broader themes of the Dialogue.
The international community’s support for Ukraine, as articulated by Austin and other leaders, underscored the importance of collective action in defending sovereignty and upholding international law. The conflict also highlighted the interconnectedness of security issues across different regions, with the repercussions of the war felt in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The Role of International Institutions and Alliances
The Dialogue emphasized the critical role of international institutions and alliances in addressing global security challenges. Austin’s remarks on the evolution of security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and Zelenskyy’s call for stronger international coalitions highlighted the need for effective multilateralism and collaborative frameworks. The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening these institutions to address both traditional and emerging security threats.
Conclusion
The 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue underscored its significance as a premier platform for addressing critical security issues in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Through the insightful speeches delivered by key global leaders, several salient themes and strategic insights emerged, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of global security challenges. These discussions reinforced the need for sustained international cooperation, robust crisis management mechanisms, and a steadfast commitment to upholding a rules-based international order.
A key takeaway from the Dialogue was the emphasis on maintaining and strengthening the rules-based international order. Sir John Chipman’s opening remarks and the subsequent speeches by Lloyd J. Austin III, Admiral Dong Jun, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy all highlighted the importance of international norms and principles in ensuring global stability. The repeated calls for adherence to international law and the UN Charter reflect a consensus among global leaders on the necessity of a rules-based framework to manage international relations and prevent conflicts. This is particularly relevant in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and strategic rivalries, where adherence to established rules can mitigate risks and promote peaceful resolutions.
The speeches by Austin and Dong illuminated the intricate dynamics of US-China relations. While both leaders emphasized dialogue and cooperation, their addresses also revealed underlying strategic rivalries. Austin’s focus on a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening alliances contrasted with Dong’s emphasis on regional autonomy and resistance to external interference. This dichotomy underscores the complex nature of US-China relations, where competition and cooperation coexist. Effective management of this relationship requires continuous engagement, clear communication, and mutual respect for each other’s core interests and security concerns. The Dialogue highlighted potential areas of cooperation, such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and pandemic response, which could serve as building blocks for a more stable bilateral relationship.
Zelenskyy’s address brought the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict to the forefront, emphasizing its far-reaching implications for global security. The conflict has not only destabilized Eastern Europe but also posed significant challenges to the international order. Zelenskyy’s call for a united international response and the establishment of a new security architecture for Ukraine resonated with the broader themes of the Dialogue. The international community’s support for Ukraine, as articulated by Austin and other leaders, underscored the importance of collective action in defending sovereignty and upholding international law. The conflict also highlighted the interconnectedness of security issues across different regions, with the repercussions of the war felt in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. This interconnectedness necessitates a coordinated global response to such crises, reinforcing the role of international institutions and alliances.
The speeches also brought to light the humanitarian and ethical dimensions of security. Zelenskyy’s focus on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, including the plight of abducted Ukrainian children, and Prabowo’s emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of security in the context of conflicts in Palestine and Gaza, highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to security that prioritizes human rights and dignity. This humanitarian perspective is crucial for fostering long-term peace and stability, as it addresses the root causes of conflicts and promotes inclusive and sustainable development.
Looking forward, the insights and commitments shared at the Shangri-La Dialogue provide a roadmap for addressing the multifaceted security challenges of the 21st century. The Dialogue’s emphasis on dialogue, cooperation, and the rule of law serves as a foundation for building a more stable and secure world. However, achieving this vision requires sustained effort and dedication from all stakeholders. Key areas for future focus include enhancing crisis management mechanisms, strengthening international institutions, fostering inclusive dialogue, and promoting strategic stability through balanced and cooperative security policies.
In conclusion, the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue reaffirmed its importance as a forum for addressing critical security issues and fostering international cooperation. The speeches and discussions highlighted the complex and interconnected nature of global security challenges and the need for a collaborative approach to address these issues effectively. By reinforcing the principles of a rules-based international order, promoting strategic stability, and prioritizing humanitarian concerns, the Dialogue set the stage for a more secure and prosperous future for all nations. The commitments made and the insights gained at the Dialogue will play a crucial role in shaping the future of international relations and global security, providing a beacon of hope in an increasingly volatile world.