Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe speaks during the fourth plenary session of the 18th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-la Dialogue, an annual defense and security forum in Asia, in Singapore, Sunday, June 2, 2019. (Photo: AP)
SINGAPORE, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has decided, in close consultation with the Singapore government, not to convene the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) this year, said Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Thursday.
In a press release, MINDEF said the cancellation was due to "the continued uncertainties surrounding the global and local COVID-19 situation."
Although regretful, it is the responsible course, with the health and safety of the local community and participants as the foremost consideration, said MINDEF.
This year's Shangri-La Dialogue, also known as the Asia Security Summit, was originally timed for June 4 and 5.
