Hong Kong, June 10 -- The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual forum in Singapore where defense ministers, armed forces chiefs and other luminaries assemble to discuss and debate issues related to Asia-Pacific security. Normally, Chinese officials headline this event and add a dose of feistiness, but Beijing's delegation this year was very lightweight.

Organized by the United Kingdom-based International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 took place from 29-31 May. To Lam, the President of Vietnam, delivered the keynote address on opening day, while US War Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a special address.

But notable was the absence of Chinese figureheads. These high-level officials have included defense ministers i...