For the first time in eight years and the second time in history, China has sent its defense minister to take part in the annual Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore, officially known as the Asia Security Summit.

IISS Director-General Dr. John Chipman said earlier that Wei will "speak on China"s role in the Asia-Pacific at a pivotal time for the region." The speech will be delivered on Sunday, the IISS said on its website.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (R) meets with Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, May 30, 2019. (Photo: Chinese Defense Ministry)

At the 2011 edition of the forum, Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Liang Guanglie made a historic appearance with a high-level PLA delegation. He outlined four principles in international cooperation on security:

A general view shows the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, June 1, 2018. (Photo: VCG)

China and Kyrgyzstan hold a joint anti-terrorist exercise under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Kizilsu Kirgiz Prefecture, northwest China"s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 27, 2017. (Photo: Xinhua)