An editorial published Friday by Lianhe Zaobao discussed China-US, China-Singapore, and China-ASEAN relations as Chinese Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe will attend the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Wei Fenghe, Chinese Minister of National Defense. (File photo)

The editorial points out that the attendance and participation of Wei shows China has great willingness to actively participate in regional security dialogue and cooperation. It cites comments from Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen that China’s ministerial delegation to the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue demonstrates the confident China and the confident People’s Liberation Army.

The two defense ministers agreed to carry out substantive plans for deepening the defense relationship and promote bilateral exchanges from various dimensions. The editorial believes this shows that China and Singapore are willing to deepen mutual trust and bilateral defense relations.

Geopolitics gradually forms a trend of multipolar development and regional organizations have played an essential role on the world stage. The editorial said that regional organizations like ASEAN might mitigate the friction between China and the US. “Only by strengthening dialogue and keeping communication channels open can we maintain constructive bilateral and multilateral relations and reduce misunderstandings or misjudgments that may arise from the momentary quarrels,” it said.