China PLA member asks about role of Shangri-La Dialogue, if it's serving interest of US and allies

At the final plenary session of the Shangri-La Dialogue, a member of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), Zhao Xiaozhuo, Senior Fellow, Academy of Military Sciences, PLA asked Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and the chief executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies John Chipman about the role of the security forum.
"There are negative views - views (of) the Shangri-la Dialogue as a forum dominated by the US and its allies, serving the interest of the US and its allies and also the topics discussed often point to differences, rather than cooperation, and divergence rather than convergence. So my question is: What role over the past years (has) Shangri-la Dialogue ... played in Asia Pacific security and how do you view the comments and opinions I have mentioned?" he said.
Said Dr Ng: "I've attended a number of conferences, I attended their Xiangshan Forum and sometimes, it's a matter of taste. I can imagine that people from the PLA come here and find this raucous a bit rambunctious. This is the Western liberal mode of many ideas. And from this, you're supposed to gain wisdom and they go back and say it was thoroughly discombobulating. That's entirely understandable."
He added: "On the other hand, when things are too structured, too predictable, people don't like to attend those, because they feel that it's too scripted, that when you say things, the end is already determined. So why not, not say it, just send me something and I can read it, rather than travel we know a few thousand miles and arrive to Singapore. For China it must decide for itself whether the Shangri La Dialogue adds value. There is no coercion for you to attend. Is it better? To come to an open platform, to subject yourself sometimes to the tyranny of questions and to what might seem a common view from others to explain yourself, or to retreat from that engagement? That is something that China must decide for itself."
"I think the People's Republic of China has benefitted hugely from the participation it has had in the Shangri-La Dialogue," said Dr Chipman, noting that there was a rare one-hour bilateral meeting between Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. (Video: Reuters)
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[@mikechiam2032]

If 9 people out of 10 in the room are complaining about you, it is always a good idea to look at yourself in the mirror and ask why

[@mikechiam2032]

I still remember when PLN destroyer were visible range from Spratly Islands WHEN the ASEAN-China code of conduct meeting where conducting...

[@user-mh9lk2dj3n]

When 9 dash line became 10 and imaginary owned ahah😅

[@dindondan3776]

If more people are invited in, say 100 people, will the same proportion of people, which is 90, still criticize that one original person? The way you posed the question actually presupposes a stance, which is the standard BBC questioning style. It’s evident that when you ask the question, you’ve already set a trap. The answer you’re looking for is the one you have in your own mind.

[@1_Life_2Live]

Chinese PLA REAlly have different kind of brain

[@GolDRoger-fx2fp]

​​@@1_Life_2Live because they are not human. They are uncivilized greedy people. ......

[@grizzy3727]

Minister Ng Eng Hen of Singapore, two thumbs up. good answer!

[@casab654]

But I saw TikTok his speech similarity to pro China ? Is it true ?

[@nexusdues3028]

You know CCP when they lying when they speaking 😂

[@omzoilerau4404]

The Chinese general got schooled by NG and a slap on his face! You(China) are not forced to attend it is up to you if you want or not but you are free to ask and make a speech and vice-versa.

[@willcelestial4795]

😂😂😂😂

[@camotekahoy656]

Whatever you say and what you are doing reflects your bad character , your bad image shows where you came from as a threat to a peacefully community

[@aarnkgnar986]

China really came to this dialogue to embarrass themselves. Appropriately, a group of pandas is called an Embarrassment. 😂😂😂

[@dharlenesanjose3779]

Puro kayo salita

[@EnGPaCHo]

​@@dharlenesanjose3779 umintindi ka.

[@hernangatchalian5925]

The World is a beautiful place to live without any greed,envy and free from all fears of conflict or wars esp.the nuclear.that can melted all creations and humanity. Lets us all be happy that for once in our life we live in a world with love and not hate to one another.we are all merely just temporarily passing through this world that is not ours.we have no rights to destroy this paradise that we live in.peace and harmony to all mankind.🙌🙏💗🌺

[@shielatee302]

👍👍👍👏👏👏 Dr Ng at his Best. Thank U.

[@YaoEm]

Dr. Ng nailed it!

[@christoperjoycarreon115]

Very good Sir Ng.

[@joshjacob745]

Dr. Ng had the perfect answer to the question by the Chinese General. It's a platform that's free for all to discuss and hear feedback on how the world views your countries and their actions. Well done Dr. NG.

[@yvvonelee5026]

I am proud of Dr Ng. Straight to the point, leaving no rooms for western medias would like to interpret differently.

[@deschan2246]

Gen? Did u promoted him? Get his rank right b4 comment.

[@deschan2246]

Ng failed badly (if u understand)

[@jlee8181]

Not only he did not have an answer to the question, he was totally rude

[@Timmy-fm5nr]

The General question or what he was told to ask was arrogant and he got the right answers back

[@posttrue5798]

Talk and negotiation is much better than putting the conflicts into war. We are so appreciate could got a peaceful result in the border conflicts between China and India by at least 5 rounds talk. Thank God.

[@jeantcheng3650]

To have a constructive dialogue, better have a balanced agenda rather than a biased and conflictive one. The question is more about the agenda setting of the dialogue, not the dialogue itself

[@jeantcheng3650]

Biased and conflictive dialogue never leads to the peace, but to the contrary

[@rain6834]

Dialogue is better then Rhetoric via media platform

[@1337hacks]

China can't tolerate dialogue. They prefer monologue and can't understand why other countries roll their eyes at their foreign and security policy.

[@ongernie7216]

What dialogue this is actually treatening and flexing of muscle.

[@LutherS2186]

Dialogue is a lot better than military confrontation. You can shout each other out and agree to disagree, as long as no violence is involved.

[@annietang9599]

So good! So true!

[@loongdechuanren1008]

Those hegemonic days are gone no matter how the summit trying to play out, China is not China of those days. See you again at any corner of the world!

[@erictky11]

The dialogue itself is a platform as mention by Dr Ng to express regional concern on many aspect especially on peace and stability within the Asia region. Countries that were invited to attend should have their subjective thoughts and topics they want to participate within the dialogue to provide constructive thoughts and suggestions to improve the situations within the region. It’s is also this dialogue that let everyone voice their concern and make a stand of their role within the region, instead of showing muscle around.

[@talkfacts100]

The point you lay is 'region', what is the US role in this?

[@deschan2246]

@@talkfacts100 read history for answer to yr question

[@erictky11]

@@talkfacts100 dialogue does not mean anyone play a role. If the US wanna play a role they should propose their position across with the peace and stability in mind and not giving speech to show its stance or to threaten any regional issues to create instability. To be straight up US are not needed in the region in fact for any security. They may part take in the dialogue to exchange information based on regional security issues.

[@talkfacts100]

@@deschan2246 I know the history, but do you? According to your other comments, I strongly doubt it. Why I ask is only with questions people might make a search. How you doing btw, havent seen you spam as much as you did before. Getting your life together? Which is a good thing.

[@kc-st]

@@erictky11 We will prefer the US remain engaged in the region and counter balance China. Thanks.

[@squiggy18]

Its is through conversation and shared experiences, that we understand each other better. Sometime it maybe pleasant, happy. Other times pointed and uncomfortable. But the sum of all these experiences enriches the engagement.

[@boitiechee]

Solid point

[@Wuyh99]

The fact that he put in effort to convey in english is a big thumbs up👍

[@davidong4785]

If a nation wants to look inwardly, yes just remain within the country and communicate using native language. On the other hand if Samsung wants to go international, Samsung must also communicate in international language like what they had done. This is fundamental.

[@limxuanyi5398]

unfortunately I couldn't understand him

[@markjasonvargas4426]

Engrish

[@thulomanchay]

Zhao Xiaozhuo, asked if the forum is dominated by the US and serve their interest. Dr Ng Eng Hen practically said, so what, that's the way it is "rambunctious" and "discombobulating", and you decide if you want to come. Dr John Chipman, said since the first forum the Shangri-La Dialogue has proved its utility, giving example from the Pakistan India tension, and the Five Defense Powers ministers meetings, the Shangri-La Dialogue have benefited both ASEAN and China. You decide who gave the appropriate reply.

[@bc98888]

Using bombastic english words is just inappropriate in diplomatic exchange with non-english guests.

[@TanKianW79]

果然是上代长老。回复的有见识、有深度、有气场、有气量！只有见识与心胸狭小之人才会把别人给予的意见看成刀枪！如果老李还健在，我想他应该会给于更尖锐的回复吧！

[@wuwei9176]

小李子敢对美国爸爸这样讲话吗？

[@simonchua6251]

@@wuwei9176 敢

[@yucode7356]

a dialogue is better than a no-dialogue, however imperfect it is.

[@siddharthb2633]

this is a false binary. Dialogues are the bare minimum, better dialogues are better.

[@whitephoenix1513]

Hats off to Dr. Ng.

[@edlynsuya2910]

They does not like this kind of dialogue because they don't have the say in their own homecourt...

[@trumancalipes2556]

Exactly. They can't spin or manipulate the flow of the dialogue. You can see how upset they are on their faces.

[@huaweiphone6370]

We have learnt well in ASEAN and many regional fora that Jaw-Jaw is hugelt better than War-War and that many issues get resolved through incremental Dialogue - and great achievements in Peace between Statesmen as Gentlemen of Their Word. SunTzu of course will approve for this is The Way of Civilized Peoples not Savages.

[@raphaeldaar]

You cannot deny that they are some places with gangs and villages that won't accept modernisation and continue to live traditionally. And this causes conflict between people who want progress and people who want to depend only on nature.

[@jesantonihevileon8611]

@@raphaeldaar " Progress " have been proven to be a double shave sharps blade , since "progress" haven't born from common sense but from the criminals European conqueror angloxajone colonialism. And that colonialist " progress" for 6 centuries have been erasing cultures, languages, religions , dress code , etcétera , etcétera ; plus the knows looting and pillage and the infinite ripoffs... Even mención social advantage programs from the impose European civilization points of view around the world have been the reason than for the last 6 centuries the whole world has been living in a constant turmoils. Probably not body have the right to went around the world change by force and intimidation the ways of living of others human beings with the excuses of implants the progress into them. At the end of the day the imposed European progress meaning the European civilización has proven the creation of more wars , environment world contaminations , mother's nature destructions and human disgrace, massive humans emigration that the old natural tradicional way of living. Time would tell if at the end of this progress road a third World War using nuclear and atomic weapons would force all of us to return to be living in a natural way of living, but with not more dangerous progress. 6 centuries of criminals European conqueror angloxajone ethnic group imperialism have been proven that such a behavior is something very dangerous for all the others ethnics groups .

[@inpengudomsay3166]

US is war nothing else. US will lie, cheat and steal. No peace for them. Example, Yemen, afghans, irag, Syria, Libya. Did they said freedom and democracy..holla Lu ya …We mess you up so..clean up yourself we going to mess up Asians now..,

[@ssangyongA230]

China and Russia never really believe in talk talk....more of pretend make u believe, then when u least expected dependent more on them , they do the unthinkable ......its coming , Taiwan be extra aware and seriously vigilant

[@clintton888888]

Why Asia need to gain a voice in the Dialog if it is setup as Asia voice with all pro asia speech ( isnt it already asia;s voice and no need to gain?) ( sound like ceremony not dialog) ? to engage in multi voice enviroment take a bit of time for those not use to and they might feel meaningless , unlike inside a commu country meeting or army ceremony

[@joekerr8334]

Asia ? Asia no longer exists according to US ! It is now Indo-Pacific ! And East Asia is now called North Pacific ! Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[@ReneZaspa]

We love Peace, Freedom, Liberty and Democracy

[@ssrae-2229]

so Says the Little Red Dot on the Map - S'pore you have your 2 days of fame , what's next?? Dreaming of more land....? Don't dream Reply Indonesia . LOL

[@trumancalipes2556]

@@ssrae-2229Says the West Taiwanese troll on the CCP payroll who had consumed nothing but fabricated information from state-owned media.

[@aerojetrocketdyners-2538]

tl:dr: this isn't an echo chamber, you have the right to critic other people, other people have the right to critic you.

[@kelvin-zh9fm]

Haha he forgot he not in china anymore where people cant say bad things

[@Hahaha41241]

That's not what he meant, he said in short that the Shangri-la were biased.

[@punkmachine]

​@@Hahaha41241biased in what sense 😂

[@lvl5969]

​@@Hahaha41241 and he was right..

[@jaytso1883]

A great reply Dr Ng

[@deschan2246]

A reply that pissed is not a great reply

[@2wood169]

A question that pissed is not a good question

[@JonKino828]

If you think that is a great reply, you must not be very bright.

[@jaytso1883]

@@JonKino828 your opinion is irrelevant and extremely dim witted

[@jaytso1883]

@@JonKino828 I know your kind

[@rommelperalta6111]

Chin was upset from attending the IISS, they were thinking that they had been fried in their own oil.

[@RaveBonti]

Definitely true.!!most of the country doesn't believe in China on what they are saying.if you have a great power,you should use it in good things!!not coercing and bullying you're neighbors..having respect is by earning not showing of force..

[@willcelestial4795]

😂😂😂😂

[@sl1737]

@rommelperalta6111, you meant gutter oil, right? 🤣

[@christoperjoycarreon115]

The general has difficulty in defending their position because it is baseless contrary to the Philippines which is supported by international law and confirmed by the arbitral ruling.

[@sasitharanmathavan417]

keep it unbiased and not favouring the west. this is understandable. china can decide anything but spore must not be biased and listen to all participants.

[@hangtuah888]

Singapore must not be biased is like asking if the Pope is Catholic. Singapore is the refuel and refit base of the 7th US Fleet and with that the scandals of corruption over the saga has not been broadcast in the interest of transparency. The very fact the opening speech is by the Disunited States to me the dumbest Secretary of Defense to hold the post, is proof that this is not a Dialogue but a Lecture.

[@kyawzawlinn6914]

lol wumao

[@WongFei66]

China will take over taiwan than singapore and kick all the other race out of singapore.Haha!中国🇨🇳习近平万岁万岁万万岁!!!

[@ipendot]

are you listening? 😁😁😁😁😁

[@markgilsantiago2077]

Same thinking with your master and PLA general idiots!!!

[@user-dv4rh2my1x]

China doesn't know what a forum is.

[@punkmachine]

Cuz they don't have a voice once they start a forum CCP will stop them instantly. So they have no clue the importance of forum.

[@hegehypo5914]

PLA knowing that its participation in Shangrila forum will be well surrounded by US and all its allies and yet participated in the forum is a big encouragement and demonstrated the readiness of PLA to face the strongest allies in the world face to face

[@hangtuah888]

The first speaker stated precisely what has turned out to be, that is for the Disunited States to lecture China and nothing else. Despite evidence to the contrary and the illogic of wanting to adhere to the One China Principle and yet say they have the rights to protect Taiwan is nothing short of lying. China should not bother to come for future event as it is neither a dialogue or even a debate.

[@KevanMajere33]

You need to polish up your English. Actually, you can comment in Chinese...

[@annkoh8653]

@@KevanMajere33 I think he did a decent job of speaking in English.

[@JoeC1688]

Now the WEST cannot demonize China anymore, because they will be slapped right back!

[@jck8299]

@@KevanMajere33 i understood him fully ..he did a greatjob consdering if he aint native english speaker.. btw

[@father88888]

mayb Dr Ng can ask PLA member how useful Beijing Xiangshan forum is n whether it serves interest of China....

[@kelvin-zh9fm]

Yalo. This PLA boy want to not happy show attitude then next time don't come la

[@sujoybarua3907]

Well Said

[@shanmugaretnam9868]

Precisely the purpose of such an event, in which Défense Ministers can engage on a neutral platform to express, share opinions and discuss sensitive issues. The challenge to the organisers is to keep Shangri-La Dialogue relevant, purposeful and unbiased.

[@tommyboss4067]

@Maher al-Assad At next event China will not come again. Hahaha. 😀😃😄

[@CLXH]

Dialogue & open discussion do not mix well with authoritarian regimes. They do not tolerate people with different views from theirs. They question others, they do not subject themselves to tyranny of questions which will be taken as challenge to their authority. They were brought up and educated this way. It shows that how dangerous the world would be if this behaviour is demonstrated by a General of a militarily powerful country.

[@hangtuah888]

@Maher al-Assad Yes, precisely that is what I thought. I hope China will realise that this is rubbish and stop attending. No loss.

[@hangtuah888]

@Maher al-Assad The Chinese guy said exactly what has transpired being as useless. How the irony is lost on him, I wondered?

[@Time4Peace]

@Maher al-Assad Very well put. Moreover, Lockheed Martin is on IISS's council. Its weapons are used in Ukraine and Taiwan. All the reasons to confront China right from the start diminishing Singapore's and Asean's neutrality stand. And Dr Ng's parisan and condescending handling of a fair question didn't help.

[@anthonyyang870]

Dialogue with openness/fairness is definitely better than conflict. Any world organisation like UN study the course of conflict n war during the past twenty years. Was those necessary n any preventive measures.

[@avidika882]

dont think you understood his point. dont be a china apologist.

[@avidika882]

i mean misunderstood Mr Ng's point.

[@yummytummy88]

There nothing in the dialogue that show any fairness and openiness. Signapore has been on the pocket of US for a while. Just look at their CNA media. Constantly anti China bias report. If Trump still on WH, he wouldn't call it fake news.

[@johnnyw6467]

@@avidika882 Mr Ng point is Singapore will always remain as US lapdog.

[@myfriendtanky]

Essence of the message is valid from Dr Ng. But the body language and choice of some words can suggest a very different sentiment.

[@dinoyuan1574]

take it or leave it he said

[@koon2038]

Well, given the general's suspicions cast on the entire forum (and by extension, the Singaporean organisers), you want Dr Ng to respond in a meek fashion?

[@dinoyuan1574]

@@koon2038 Well, its the people of Singapore who will bear the consequences not him. Whats the benefit of offending the Chinese? Can Singapore afford to behave like Australia?

[@tymw3637]

@@dinoyuan1574 if so then the whole world will have to kowtow to them.

[@dinoyuan1574]

@@tymw3637 Well you dont seem to have any problems kowtowing to the Americans for one...

[@marilynho1774]

Yes, make the most of it towards a better world for all.

[@Lu5ck]

Talking about differences is the first step of solving disputes. Not talking about it is just burying it, only to have it come back to bite you.

[@jck8299]

wats ur skin colour ?

[@Lu5ck]

​@Maher al-Assad You just proved you don't understand. PLA imply it is USA centric because the topics are generally about differences than cooperation. China officially has always been about cooperation and avoid talking about differences. Dr Ng response by citing that the SLD is following a liberal concept which imply that the topics are initiated by the participants and not dictated by the host. Therefore, indirectly implying that PLA is implying other participants are bias. Of course, he sugar coated it by saying it might be because PLA is not used to this kind of liberal discussions where participants can talk about what they want. Finally ending with advise to PLA they should decide if such liberal discussions add any values to them. At the end of the day, most participants decided that talking about differences are more important which make every sense.

[@Lu5ck]

@Maher al-Assad What you doing is having a prejudice on the moderator and using that prejudice as a justification that it isn't neutral. As long the participants are the one that continue to initial the topics and engage in the discussions, I don't think you can get any more unbias than that.

[@Lu5ck]

@Maher al-Assad Now you trying to justify your prejudice as "logical conclusion" while continuously implying the rest of the participants are idiots.

[@rainpoem2]

Arrogant and dumb

[@generver]

what a smart answer from Dr. Ng

[@georgegao1202]

It is easy to say if you do not like it, you can choose not to come. But this is quite rude because people come to a dialogue expecting it is open minded. It is the least a good host can do.

[@kelvinkj7074]

Have the conviction and confidence to be able to defend and advance one’s position in an open platform.

[@hangtuah888]

Yes, but with the dumbest Defense Secretary to hold the post, how do you commit to a dialogue. They accept the One China Principle but defend the right to train the Taiwanese soldiers and also sell arms to the province. Try that by selling arms and training those agitating for independence for Hawaii and see how far it will get you. He is co-incidentally a former Director of Raytheon, one of the Military Industrial Complex with companies like Boeing, Northrop, etc.

[@louischau7982]

Indeed it is the same question regarding the UN . It has been established for a long time and what are getting outcomes ? War everywhere so what is the purpose then ?

[@fiost1489]

We are very blessed to have such a great defence Minister who has a great presence of mind to answer this type of provoking questions. This dialogue was made for more engagement and for high rank officials to meet each other,regardless of their differences.

[@murderouscountryfan8589]

So happy with his reply basically telling the CCP guy don’t want to come, don’t come. Nobody wants you around.

[@ongernie7216]

Por lam par

[@fiost1489]

@@ongernie7216 Loser, how are you?

[@Joeys_Viewbox]

Speakee Ng gave a very educated answer regarding the china general question. This chinese general was not asking rather injecting unfounded insinuations.

[@epsilonxvi5675]

It usually 11 dashline now since they added a island that named st.james reef which was a malaysian island.

[@hatchegg80]

Probably the best off the cuff reply by a Singapore minister in recent memory, channeling lky

[@greatasia606]

The US and China were having a game of poker. The US: Could you please pour some water for us? Singapore: Yes, my pleasure. Dr Ng didn't realise that they were playing poker at his house? Dr Ng didn't realise that he should be at the table playing the game as well? Ha ha ha!

[@za7v9ier]

@es loo he was being pragmatic. If China really thinks SLD is of no value, they wouldn't be attending. This general just disgraced his country with the rhetoric.

[@Utube1024]

Mother hen talking kok lah. Why no sue China for the Terrex saga.

[@lifesgreat33]

Wow, He answers like LKY ? Even some similarity in the mannerism... like the shrud at just the right time...lol... Give as good as he gets .... well done.... good answer, love the mannerism....

[@JonKino828]

How are Singaporean ministers chosen? Obviously brain and skill are not part of the criteria.

[@anthonyraj3701]

@@JonKino828 Rubbish ! If Singaporean Ministers are not chosen based on brain & skill, we wouldn't have achieved so much as a nation (one of the richest country and G20 member) despite being a small country. You obviously don't know anything about Singapore !

[@rajnaidu5521]

@@JonKino828 So if you've got brain and skills,How is that ,You are not a Panelist. 🤫🤫🤫

[@jollygoodyo]

Worst answer ever by a host. Singapore will always be a follower and never a leader because of that.

[@WongFei66]

@@anthonyraj3701 China will take over taiwan than singapore and kick all the other race out of singapore.Haha!中国🇨🇳习近平万岁万岁万万岁!!!

[@hernangatchalian5925]

Kudos to all the organizer of the IISS esp.The President of singapore and prime minister as well for this flatform atleast to enlighten each contries. What is the basis of legality and differences to hear.its a grateful honor to singapore for the efforts they have conducted.thank you Singapore.

[@Dragon-gl1rw]

It doesn't look like a dialogue going on.

[@johnny-ih5es]

What's the guest star Zelensky doing here without Russia sending its representative to attend the dialogue?

[@murderofcrows2179]

ask Russia.

[@ogapadoga2]

Ng Eng Hen used all the words that is not at the China general's level. He will not be able to understand anything.

[@haidan45]

sure, so that's and you and YOUs' philosophy， say it to the other person, but not to make the other person understand. You call it wisdom or justicie, don't care if others regard it as arrogance or evil.

[@greatasia606]

The US and China were having a game of poker. The US: Could you please pour some water for us? Singapore: Yes, my pleasure. Dr Ng didn't realise that they were playing poker at his house? Dr Ng didn't realise that he should be at the table playing the game as well? Bobby, you can understand Ng Eng Hen's words? You are so clever. Ha ha ha!

[@medialcanthus9681]

He's trying to show off he's more angmoh. China's reply will be we'll drill thru Isthmus of Kra.

[@pcloh6431]

They hv auto translation lah. This is high tech conference lor. Yr brain is still low tech but yr concern is noted by goggle translator.

[@Utube1024]

He is hoping not to get a reply from that Chinese military personnel, that's all. In another words chicken out throwing smoke screen while retreating.

[@jxngiam6547]

This is defence dialogue not offense dialogue

[@djoledjole5007]

How can the Khazarian town branch in Singapore have a defense minister :):))???

[@fed02]

I agree with Dr Ng on this. It is for China to decide if she sees value in participating in the Dialogue, to allow others to see from their viewpoints. Singapore being a host would welcome all nations to participate in the hope of better understanding between countries. It is not up to Singapore or any other countries to decide for China or could make China see the value in such Dialogues. Saying that, there is no need for the member of PLA to be hostile on this. China and USA need to come to a common understanding on how they can play an active role in world peace.

[@freddiepizerhall8324]

A bit hard when the US is trying to surround Chine with its largest armada since WW2.

[@hoekeatung1760]

Ed Sim Nobody takes a quarrel with Dr Ng reply BUT its the way he said it. He will regret having done it. To put it plainly Dr Ng's attitude was Haughty and Arrogant. His reply amounted to telling China to take it or leave it. Now who does he think he is talking to...huh??? Some insignificant nation in Africa??? China will be the Biggest economy globally by 2030 or earlier...if you dispute this please take it up with IMF or even the CIA!!! US will not be the Top Dog. I hope China will not forget this incident and hold the Singapore Defence Minister accountable then. Then China should make him squirm and sweat kow tow to China!!! Singapore Ministers and even the PM are stepping into boots TOO big for them and they not only forget that but do it with stupid enthusiasm!!! Such silly and egoistical people!

[@kelvinyeo2047]

@@freddiepizerhall8324 no one dare to act against Russia even they had walked into someone country today, do you think USA alone would act against China, without a creditable reason.

[@davepsk7334]

@@freddiepizerhall8324 They've been at that almost throughout the world. Everybodies back and front yard has some US armada waiting to strike when US deem fit. That is the reason why US never subscribe to any laws of the sea or land. US is not a part or would ever sign up to any international laws covering our planet. They want to own all of us pewny maggots.

[@fed02]

But that is because of History. The allied forces were the only ones which could stop Japan during WW2 invasion. Moreover, after the WW2, US continued to engage with the rest of the world. As for whether if China should attend such submits, it is for China to decide if they want to continue engage the world or be left in isolation like they did before.

[@mawdervaart]

I really love Minister Ng's response, well thought out and articulated..

[@greatasia606]

He was barking nia! What well thought out and articulated? Ha ha ha!

[@medialcanthus9681]

He's obvi speaking for allied side n said China need not attend if it doesn't want to .

[@munozgiovanni9384]

Singapore, please don't be over proud. But don't worry, China has a big heart and is famous for being strategically patient.

[@Buttercookies0]

@@medialcanthus9681 Do not twist his words.

[@Buttercookies0]

@@munozgiovanni9384 That's your perception. Singapore is a gentleman.

[@johnwig285]

The concept is simple really. Work on the differences but at the same time find a common ground. But as usual 1 side will always not play along

[@chancellortsang]

Differences and divergence. Cooperation is missing.

[@samgooi1905]

Shangri-la dialogue is the place for " he said, she said " At the end of the day the net gainer are the hotel, restaurants, airlines, etc ...

[@junksails814]

Could have done the same on Whatapp and Telegram - what a F.waste of time.

[@skgan4739]

Well, i think China has hard time adapting to learn how to be tolerant of discussing western liberal ideas at international forums at overseas venue like Spore, with questioning format via open debates & forums that arise at the Shangrila dialogue. China delegates must learn how to agree to disagree in debates, instead of trying to sow negativity n doubts on usefulness of Shangrila dialog or undermine the nature of open & transparent flow of discussions. Minister Ng's view that it"s up to China's decision to attend future Shangrila dialog is the correct reply to the China General's attempt to influence to control the open liberal flow nature of open exchanges in dialog, instead of closed door discussions n scripted or staged media Q & A briefings with reporters. .🙏😇

[@elseraga6446]

Your opinion on the matter is skewed. Countries can try to adopt this sort of forum fashion but none of them needs to adapt to such western style of dialogue, including China. When this dialogue is attended by a majority of member nations that are allies or seemingly more friendly to America, groupthink happens. Do we not expect members to set out a tone that is not so favorable to China, when even the host country is a huge buyer and beneficiary of American tech? For sure China needs to be more transparent and friendly to its regional neighbours but I think the question the Chinese member had asked, was whether this forum adds any real meaningful value to building better relations between nations.

[@murderouscountryfan8589]

@@elseraga6446 Then don’t come. That’s exactly what our minister said. Hahahaha.

[@murderouscountryfan8589]

We never have problems with any other country. All the meets not involving this problematic country have such problems!!! We should not invited this pariah ever again. Mindef remove this problematic country from the invite list next year onwards!

[@hullopillow4853]

Singapore will bow down and lick up the corresponding hegemon of each era. Hard truth. For now it is the US, and thus we have sarong party girl like you sucking up western sausage. 10 years forward, it will be China and by then your will be more respectful towards them also. Small nations should know their place.

[@buddyoo4942]

This PLA person said the platform you've provided is tilted but you all go on and give justifications of it is a mater of taste, it's suppose to be messy, uneven, take it or leave it etc.. INSTEAD of asking where have we tilted and how can we make it level in the future.

[@ronaldleng8986]

Dr Ng 's wisdom is profound and educated one. 知己知彼 百战百胜！ Be bigger than your ego, kinder than your pride and humbler than your accomplishments. The Shangrila forum is KEY (to Keep Engaging Your_enemies"; keep civilisation peaceful and sustainable),".

[@ganggangbabymusic]

1:05 “and Ourweso” hahahahhahh it’s also

[@father88888]

great rebuttal from Dr Ng to this PLA fellow.....how useful the dialogue is is determined by how useful n constructive its members are...

[@johntwohy8337]

yeah, trying to get back at China for the Terrex saga.

[@ajrpromotions]

fair question non the less

[@Utube1024]

only for a few seconds but pm lanlan go to China to beg Terrex released.

[@HermitQuack]

Learned new words from Dr Ng Eng Hen.

[@haracas_og]

This is some track one shade.

[@shuyuye2505]

Well said

[@wayne0316]

SG minister basically said if China is not happy with the SRD, then don’t come. Very constructive and diplomatic. LOL. If a dialogue welcomes critics against China but not critics from China. Then you know very well what the dialogue is all about.

[@ParallelComparison]

Critic or intimidation?

[@mahmoodiqbalch]

Extremely undiplomatic from SG minister. The Western mind is closed to such a point that it cannot fathom anything that is better than thier way of life and as such deeply threatened by it. Extremely childish. They have lost the plot and now resort to bigotry and bullying.

[@willwill9950]

Seriously.. China's silent coercion... trying to influence via financial contributions and often intimidate regional countries... drawing its own boundary... and often play that skin colour game... sickening!

[@fiost1489]

@@mahmoodiqbalch You know nothing about international affairs. Be quiet.

[@mahmoodiqbalch]

@@fiost1489 Thanks that prolly means I know a lot! 😉

[@hipposamadesu]

If you come to an open dialogue forum with prejudiced view that your opinion is the right one, then you better don't attend. In fact from the questions he posed, it's obviously trying to tarnish the integrity of the forum. Don't forget that this forum exist not for the sake of patronizing the CCP.

[@rajnaidu5521]

Albert,,you the man. Absolutely right!. For China- very difficult to swallow other opinions or ideas. Seems like they want play the role of Big Brother-- I say forget It ,🤫🤫🤫

[@jstaguan]

love the answer❤

[@foddermucker]

I couldn't have answered it more bluntly than the Singaporean Defense Minister did.

[@user-yv2dg3pp1z]

Friends and allies? Be real - international relations is about selfish interests like the US leveraging on dollar supremacy to coerce far-off countries to toe her geopolitical line. The alliance holds as long as the US still retains her economic clout and CIA power to bring down uncooperative nations such as playing on a nation's vulnerabilities. Even Singapore - does she have friends and allies? Malaysia, Indonesia for example? In a potentially hostile neighborhood, Singapore has to secretly choose sides to gang up with so-called "friends and allies" best suited for her own economic and political survival (even as she pretends to be officially neutral). China does not have sinister CIA-like clandestine operations to threaten the small nation's survival. Singapore is safe even if she openly stands on the side of the US. Not so if she stands on the side of China.

[@johnlim8991]

Dr Ng was bold and frank in his response to the Chinese Delegation. I hope Dr Ng can also be bold and frank with the US delegation. Otherwise, Singapore would be seen as pro-America which should never be.

[@xianseah4847]

Singapore is no longer neutral, what do you think? The country will start and end with the rule of the Lee family, there is no future.

[@greatasia606]

The US and China were having a game of poker. The US: Could you please pour some water for us? Singapore: Yes, my pleasure. Dr Ng didn't realise that they were playing poker at his house? Dr Ng didn't realise that he should be at the table playing the game as well? Ha ha ha!

[@munozgiovanni9384]

Singapore, please don't be over proud. But don't worry, China has a big heart and is famous for being strategically patient.

[@bottleneck979]

@@munozgiovanni9384 are you sure?

[@bennysamuelkoh9463]

@@xianseah4847 Rubbish

[@markchan8110]

There are supposed to be 1.3k comments. But when I open it, there was none!! How could this be possible?

[@user-yv2dg3pp1z]

How did Singapore choose a cbai face to become Defence Minister?

[@user-yv2dg3pp1z]

And using English as the means of communication in a no-holds-barred spontaneous platform is, of course, calculated to disadvantage even humiliate China for whom English is a foreign language that most China officials are awkward with. In our part of the world that was formerly colonized and English is an official language, any one of our officials can easily "bully" the Chinese representatives in English debate. How about we speak Chinese for a change and see how things flow?

[@alexnharry]

The Shangri-la dialogue is the place or the platform to exchange views, which has no any weapons to secure or guarantee the safety in the Asean Pacific regions. Singapore is just a tiny country and the weapons the country has are just enough to protect Singapore only.

[@elseraga6446]

Quite frankly, we will never have sufficient weapons to defend Singapore. If an adversary fires a hypersonic missile do we have the defensive system to repel or intercept it? Our only weapon is diplomacy and offering great political value to major nations of power. Otherwise we would have become very irrelevant and insignificant.

[@jademoon1530]

@@elseraga6446 That is why it is important to be neutral, state true facts, fight for peace, avoid militarization in Asia, avoid military alliances in Asia, avoid meddling in each other's internal affairs, promote fair and sincere dialogue. Encourage countries from other regions to deal with Asia peacefully, not militarily.

[@hangtuah888]

Do you have a ration on guns? The Singapore Defence in general and the NS men are just merely playing toy soldiers. The NS men were so beaten up by a group of drunken Aboriginals not so long ago in Cairns when they went out on the town. So how? Better be serious and hire some Gurkhas from Nepal as they are true soldiers.

[@Time4Peace]

@@jademoon1530 Avoid meddling. Google what IISS is. Lockheed Martin is on it. Has SLD ontlived its value to Singapore and Asean?

[@joekerr8334]

What weapon to defend against DF-41 ? Stop talking cock ! Singapore weapon is that they are 76% Chinese and most of them support China and Singapore is one of the largest investor in China but in front of the gweilos Singapore must pretend to side with the west !

[@unsulliedthe832]

Ng Eng Hen clearly bungling in this dialogue which being transparent in its nature is open for all to see. But it begs the question about what he does in classified Defence Ministry work which is not subject to public scrutiny, how are we to know if he isn't underperforming in his duty to our nation?

[@jojonsu]

Wumao. What are you talking about? If he’s underperforming, he will be out in the next election. How about your Govt?

[@unsulliedthe832]

@@jojonsu Stupid! My Govt is under Lawrence Wong who is doing real work on the frontline. Cbai face merely hides away inside protected Mindef so his incompetence is shielded from the public eye.

[@jayztv3345]

Good answers honorable NG of singapore..

[@bl4ckb3ll]

I dont understand what mr eng said. Is it my english bad or he is too rambling?

[@bennysamuelkoh9463]

Your comprehension is very bad even with abc English

[@AmbotUno]

the PLA general clowned itself what an embarrassing question from china travelling miles just to ask those questions

[@alphyatlas5287]

Because they are idiots and lack.of knowledge!

[@yingkittham9998]

If this is the caliber of a 4 star Chinese general, there’s not much to speak of.

[@user-ov5pf8jv2w]

Two Thumbs Up to Singapore Def. Minister❤

[@williamc9578]

More pertinent to the question from the PLA official is whether the SLD want to be a forum to bring diverse opinions and opposing parties into dialogue and build understanding where possible, or whether it is a free-for-all, where as Ng Eng Hen seem to posit, adopts a Western Liberal model, and for accusations to be hurled around, in the spirit of ... dialogue? As host nation of this regional security forum, it i sin Singapore's and indeed the region's interests to facilitate dialogue, and build a modicum of trust, and where possible, undestanding. It is NOT in Singapore's or the region's interests to allow this to become a platform for grandstanding, making accusations, and indeed, ganging-up on any participant country. Surely, SLD will become irrelevant if it becomes an echo chamber for one-sided views. The Minister might want to, in his great wisdom, adopt a more circumspect perspective of what SLD is trying to achieve, rather than a glib reply.

[@Tempest-Proteus]

Totally agree with you. The SLD is going the way of the UN into irrelevance.

[@charlies5885]

Ng Eng hen dodged Gen Zhao's question on whether SLD should be an unbiased forum that bring about better understanding of the diverging views and to resolve problems. Instead of a mud slinging session with unproven and false accusations. One wonders do NEH usually speaks in this manner using all the bombastic words all in a go and glib over the question? The PLA General should have the use of a translator. Despite of its contribution in the past he good intentions of the SLD is now in question.

[@williamc9578]

@@charlies5885 I hope SLD has built enough utility in the past not to be undone by this one exchange. But yes, NEH dodged the question, which warranted a more considered response. Lloyd Austin used this SLD to push the China threat narrative. Eveyone and his dog could see that. This is surely the context for the PLA General's question. Which brings us back to my original point. What does SLD see itself trying to achieve? As a serious facilitator of dialogue, or a event organizer providing conference facilities and sandwiches. NEH's response, and I pulled my punches above, was tetchy at best, but shallow and ill-advised nonetheless. One side-note, the many responses I see in the comments section, seem to be mostly from the anti-China crowd, fixated on the PLA General being thinned-skin or objecting to critcism. I wonder how things would go down if the Chinese opted to raise the shambolic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan as irresponsible and incompetent.

[@jademoon1530]

Agree!

[@benpang1396]

Exactly my view, if the host lost its neutrality very soon some will boycott the dialogue. Bad wisdom as our credibility will be lost, and its hard to earn back. As in the saying that the Chinese are aggressive, I will ask, how and when? Standing up to someone pointing and sailing their guns in their backyard is aggressive??? Especially when the usa has been going around bombing others based on lies and indiscriminately!!! Really that hard to figure out???

[@therasalee4365]

The purpose of dialogue is not about building relationship, it is about finding the truth. - Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. In this case, to find out the truth why there is such a bad biliteral ties between China and US. Actually they know what is the reason behind but their own pride have forbidden them from facing the truth and to resolve the problem.

[@htc6025]

Sounds like he is using a question to tell the group not to meet, just obey and follow their lead.

[@bernieone9286]

Candid and relevant feedback worthy of reflection and not to be dismissed in the usual PAP high handedness.

[@huddertoofs]

High handed to own citizens never fails but wit external parties? Ordinary citizens only hope we don't end up suffering like Ukraine

[@netsurfer3255]

Singapore clearly play two legs, one to its master lap and the other with China without trying to offend.

[@ML-yu5ij]

Which master are you referring to ?

[@Utube1024]

Singapore think they are smart but China not stupid.

[@bennysamuelkoh9463]

People trying to tame and teach this arrogant and nasty pitbull how to be more humane

[@eakpisitp.k.1032]

SLD now is for China and USA can come to talk, so ASEAN to avoid war in this region.

[@cindypangyao]

Very smart answer Dr……..a shame on the questioner 😂😂😂😂

[@woodbridgebeilun7512]

Clearly Dr. Eng is taking the side and offending Chinese, which is not good.

[@johntwohy8337]

Well said, NE Hen. Once not needed, you can go under the bus.

[@user-yv2dg3pp1z]

A few years back there was some hoo-ha about SAF Terrex military vehicles held up at HK Customs. In retrospect, it was all cbai face fault - he never ensure that the carrier APL engaged by SAF comply with HK's laws in applying for the necessary permits. This led to China impounding the military equipment and things coming to a head. In Singapore, we're always told to comply with existing laws. Yet Ng Eng Hen was brazen enough to flout international shipping laws leading to that diplomatic standoff.

[@ethanang3527]

Also, I also witnessed that there are SAF soldiers training in the Republic of China (Taiwan), where my relative is one of them who trained in Hsinchu for 7 years before returning to Singapore.

[@Damjans97]

Why does the United States have a role in the Shangri-La dialogue?

[@deschan2246]

Read history

[@Damjans97]

@@deschan2246 It was rhetoric question.

[@tanst7859]

Shangri-la dialogue represents the views of many countries, unfortunately at this point; more countries are aligned with an open liberal world view. China represents one country’s view, albeit a large one. China should use the forum to explain and convince others of its viewpoint. I don’t think autocratic leaderships are very good in persuasion via dialogues.

[@wymmyw8744]

yes.. the dialogue represents the view limited by what the world knows from the western media point of view.. while leaving the severity of the conflict behind.. it's no different from the EU discussing about russia and ukraine before the war.. they downplay everything.. and asked russia to follow their point of view.. the point of view of the west.. and the EU are now paying for the consequences.. the danger of choosing a side in narratives.. while claiming to be neutral..

[@cat679]

@@wymmyw8744 China love wolf warrior diplomacy, and expects it to work lol

[@lanlantulan]

@@cat679 US media and its government love to demonize China and spread evil lies about China governance within its own borders and unfounded narratives about China. what about that? you expect China diplomats to keep quiet on those lies?

[@cat679]

@@lanlantulan Do other countries practice wolf warrior diplomacy? Do u know that honey attract more flies than vinegar?

[@tanst7859]

The folks that one hangs out with and call friends speak a lot about oneself. There are similarities with countries.

[@Hahaha41241]

The host went like, if China don't like this format maybe China should question itself. To me the Chinese PLA member was telling some truth, and this was not so easy hear apparently. He never said that he wanted the forum to change in term of its format, he said that he wanted the forum to not be bias towards the USA.

[@tgw3356]

He brought his WeChat hearsay to one of the most formal diplomatic meeeting, how is that even a valid point to 'some truth' like u mentioned? The top officials are working hard, the naive closed minded subordinates are undoing China back to 1900s. Brutal truth. i think everyone here already know the typical things PRC say in their closed group shut off WeChat propaganda media, and i think the response was already clear..

[@hangtuah888]

Hear, hear. That is what I hear from he PLA representative. Not sure if the Singaporean host and also Minister understood plain and simple English.

[@mcb4067]

​@@hangtuah888 This begs the awkward question - why is it so many country's in China's own neighborhood are more pro-west? Could it be that through China's own wolf-warrior diplomacy they have alienated themselves?

[@kenkens9874]

I wanna ask why do many countries hate china?

[@kenkens9874]

I wanna ask you why most of the delagate in this countries hate china?

[@K69g-m7n]

Fullerton dialog next...

[@pushinghumanstupiditylimits]

The PLA senior colonel probably hopes that the SLD format will be like the China NPC. Everyone raises their hands to support, and no one (dare) raises their hands to oppose. Different opinions are not appreciated nor needed.

[@ukchatman4920]

I believe the issue is the PLA and CCP are not used to open criticism in Global forums, whereas the US has always operated in these forums and had to work with the quite toxic western media..... The PLA's defense is to criticise the open forum as they believe its are serving the interests of the US, this s not the case the Shangri-La Dialogue is serving the interest of open dialog. China have used it well to Globally put down a marker on Taiwan and then claim its in the US interests? Its only a platform.....

[@Buttercookies0]

@DeRucci Then the PRC would have perceived it wrongly to think that Singapore is a Chinese country. It is not. It is a multi-racial country.

[@pinkpenzu]

@DeRucci its not a chinese country. And china should stop treating it as is

[@coolio5975]

@DeRucci this is an international forum, irregardless of race, language and religions.

[@Time4Peace]

@DeRucci Singapore a Chinese country? Where are you from?

[@Time4Peace]

It a fair comment that the Chinese official make. He's asking the objective of the forum. Is it one for confrontation or cooperation. Don't you think so?

[@Utube1024]

My take is after Taiwan next General Election China will decides what to do.

[@deschan2246]

Wat can china do?

[@Utube1024]

@@deschan2246 You will know when it happen.

[@deschan2246]

@@Utube1024 nothing

[@Utube1024]

@@deschan2246 Its nothing until something come come out.

[@FreddyFaz18YT]

Dr chief man?

[@soemyintaung2401]

Right!

[@bobafett5757]

*What a fancy Military Garb inside this dialogue forum*

[@Utube1024]

*This is Defence dialogue not Commercial meeting. China Defence Minister is a General while Spore one a Breast doctor*

[@bobafett5757]

@@Utube1024 But that General looks quite cute and cudly

[@bobafett5757]

@jesus lanaya Boba armour suit is custom made by House of Gucci and no one can challenge it

[@Utube1024]

@@bobafett5757 You have a fetish feeling for him? Why not make an offer to him that he cannot refuse 🤣🤣🤣

[@MosesGTC]

Dr Ng is quite charming..the way he talk...admire 🙏🏻