At the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the People’s Liberation Army delegation, led by Professor Meng Xiangqing of the National Defense University, sought to position China as the primary architect of a new, stable international security order. Amid escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Meng’s address centered on the concept of 'injecting positive energy' into global strategic stability, a clear rhetorical push to counter the perceived volatility of U.S.-led security blocks.
The core of the Chinese presentation rested on the 'Global Security Initiative,' a framework that advocates for 'common, comprehensive, and sustainable security.' By emphasizing multilateralism and international law, Beijing is attempting to provide a conceptual alternative to the 'minilateral' alliances—such as AUKUS and the Quad—that the United States has successfully cultivated in the region. This narrative aims to resonate with neutral powers in Southeast Asia that are wary of being forced into a binary choice between superpowers.
A significant portion of the discourse was dedicated to a sharp critique of Japan’s evolving defense posture. Meng questioned Japan's legitimacy in regional defense cooperation, suggesting that Tokyo has failed to fully reckon with its militaristic history. By framing Japan as a potential threat to the post-war order, Beijing is utilizing historical grievances to drive a wedge between Tokyo and its neighbors, while simultaneously positioning China as the ultimate protector of the outcomes of the Second World War.
Addressing the sensitive issue of nuclear capabilities, Meng reaffirmed China’s 'No First Use' policy and its commitment to a self-defensive nuclear strategy. This reiteration serves as a strategic signal of restraint aimed at de-escalating international concerns over China’s rapid nuclear modernization. By contrasting its stated doctrine with the more flexible nuclear postures of other major powers, Beijing hopes to claim the moral high ground in global disarmament discussions.