Tensions between US and China loom over Shangri-La Dialogue as defense chiefs exchange brief greeting
- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu spoke briefly at the security summit in Singapore but did not have a substantive exchange.
- China declined a formal meeting with Austin, and relations between the US and China are strained over various issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
- The dialogue offers a chance for nations to discuss security issues, but China's approach continues to worry its neighbors.
- Both the US and China are trying to strengthen ties with Asia-Pacific countries amid an arms buildup in the region.
- Smaller Southeast Asian nations are using the summit to advance their foreign policy goals and facilitate informal talks between officials.
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