Beijing, China—A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense criticized the United States on Sunday, accusing it of using the Shangri-La Dialogue to create disputes and incite confrontation.
Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson, expressed “grave dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to comments made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“The U.S. habitually exploits this forum to pursue its own interests through hegemonic logic, bullying tactics, and a Cold War mentality,” Zhang stated. “These remarks violate China’s sovereign rights, distort our policy positions, and disregard the efforts of regional countries to maintain prosperity and stability.”
The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual defense summit where defense ministers and military chiefs from Asia-Pacific nations discuss security challenges and promote cooperation.
Zhang emphasized that the U.S. actions “severely deviate from the global aspiration for peace and development.” He urged the United States to “respect China’s core interests and work towards enhancing mutual trust and cooperation.”
