PRC Defense Minister Dong Jun’s experience in international military exchanges allowed him to showcase a blend of assertiveness in his speeches and a congenial rapport with foreign journalists during his appearance at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
The Dialogue saw a notable emphasis on Taiwan in the PRC delegation’s remarks, with officials seeking to play down the “China threat” narrative despite recent Joint Sword 2024A exercises surrounding the island.
Dong reiterated the position that Taiwan independence and external interference constitute red lines that the PRC is prepared to defend by force if necessary, indicating Beijing’s primary objective at the dialogue was to project a resolute stance against foreign interference to audiences both international and domestic.
