From Chinese Press

'Shangri-La Dialogue' should focus on cooperation

By Zhang Xuegang (peopledaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-06-03 17:03

A delegation led by Liang Guanglie, Chinese defense minister and state councilor, participated in the 10th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, that opened in Singapore on June 3. This is the first time that a Chinese delegation led by the defense minister has participated in the summit since this mechanism was established 10 years ago. This is also the highest rank of Chinese delegations over the years.

The Shangri-La Dialogue has gradually developed into one of the largest and highest ranking multilateral defense and security forums among Asia-Pacific regional security dialogue mechanisms since it was established 10 years ago. It is of great importance for promoting mutual communication, interaction, understanding and mutual trust between Asia-Pacific countries.

China has sent senior military delegations led by the deputy chief of the general staff to participate in the summit for four consecutive years since 2007. However, China upgraded the rank of the delegation this year, which reflects that China attaches great importance to maintaining and promoting Asia-Pacific regional security.

China has always participated in regional security cooperation in a sincere, candid and constructive manner. It is hoped that that all parties involved will strengthen mutual trust and cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Past Chinese delegates reiterated at every Shangri-La Dialogue that China would always observe the policy "be a good neighbor, good partner" while fostering a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination.