North Korea and US Asia policy take centre stage at Shangri-La Dialogue

(Baonghean.vn)- On June 2, Singapore is ready to welcome top defense officials from the US, South Korea and dozens of other countries to attend the highest-level security forum in Asia and also one of the most important security forums in the region and the world called the Shangri-la Dialogue.

The three-day formal meeting of the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, is scheduled to open tonight with a special address by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Security personnel, armed with assault rifles, were deployed around the summit venue, the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore. This year's summit comes amid continued provocations by North Korea, including a series of ballistic missile tests.

South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo (center) leaves Incheon International Airport for Singapore on June 2. Photo: Yonhap

“The North Korean issue is traditionally the top agenda item of this annual meeting,” said South Korean Ambassador to Singapore Lee Sang-deok, despite the reclusive country’s absence from the forum, which has been in place since 2002.

In addition, all eyes will be on the Asia policy of the US President Donald Trump administration. China has stepped up efforts to improve relations with Southeast Asian countries after a period when Washington implemented the “Asia pivot” policy under the Obama administration.

“Like Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia is a region witnessing deep diplomatic confrontation between the US and China,” Mr. Lee pointed out.

China has increased its militarization of many disputed islands in the East Sea. Photo: CSIS

The US delegation will be represented by Secretary of Defense James Mattis, while China will send a military general to lead the delegation. China is expected to maintain a low-key approach to the South China Sea issue at this conference.

Meanwhile, South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo also attended the conference. He is expected to have a bilateral meeting with his US counterpart on June 3 to discuss issues of the South Korea-US alliance, including the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea.

North Korea continues to test ballistic missiles despite UN Security Council sanctions resolutions. Photo: AP

The Shangri-La Dialogue, initiated by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a British think tank, attracts defense ministers, military chiefs and other representatives from Asia, Europe and the Americas. Representatives from more than 30 countries attended last year’s conference./.

Lan Ha

(According to Yonhap)