NUNZIUM

The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is an annual inter-governmental security conference held in Singapore since 2002, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). It serves as a crucial platform for fostering a sense of community among defense and security policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region. The summit attracts defense ministers, military chiefs, legislators, academic experts, journalists, and business delegates from primarily Asia-Pacific states.

The 19th SLD took place on 10-12 June 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, was the keynote speaker, with representatives from 42 countries attending, including 37 ministerial-level delegates and over 30 senior defense officials. The 2023 SLD, held on 2-4 June, featured a keynote speech by Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu on June 4, 2023. Li proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a means to conform to world peace and development trends, emphasizing China's vision for security in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the summit, tensions between the US and China over Taiwan, South China Sea, and semiconductor chip exports were evident. Li Shangfu warned against using freedom-of-navigation patrols as a pretext for hegemony, while US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin criticized China's refusal of military talks. Despite the tensions, the two officials shook hands at dinner.

In a secret meeting held concurrently with the SLD, senior officials from around two dozen major intelligence agencies discussed Russia's war in Ukraine and transnational crime. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue summit on June 3, 2023, emphasizing the US alliance with Asia-Pacific countries and criticizing China's "dangerous operational behavior at sea or in international airspace."

Indonesia's defense minister, Prabowo Subianto, proposed a peace plan for the war in Ukraine at the SLD, including a ceasefire, establishing a demilitarized zone, and monitoring by a UN peacekeeping force. Subianto also suggested a UN referendum to determine the wishes of inhabitants in disputed areas.

The Shangri-La Dialogue has proven essential in discussing peace, security initiatives, and addressing tensions between nations. As the world navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, the significance of such forums in fostering dialogue and cooperation cannot be understated. The SLD provides an opportunity for nations to find common ground and work towards a more peaceful and stable world.