China may not 'shake hands' with Japan at Shangri-La Dialogue

The Chinese delegation may not "shake hands" with their Japanese counterparts at the Shangri-La Dialogue, or 13th Asia Security Summit in Singapore, opening Friday, according to the Global Times.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech and meet with the US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel; while Chinese delegation leader Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of the general staff of the People’s Liberation Army, will meet with Hagel and military and defense leaders of other countries and regions.

It is worth noting that Abe is attending this time as only a defense minister was previously assigned. Japanese media has said Abe will make mention in his speech of Japanese fighter pilots’ earlier incursion in the East China Sea and flying close to Chinese aircraft, which will also be discussed in the meeting with Hagel.

Although what exactly will be mentioned remains unknown, it is assumed that issues concerning China, especially the dispute over the Diaoyu Islands, will be referred to.

Formal bilateral meetings will be held between defense chiefs and related senior officers from different countries. The reception for the opening ceremony begins at 7 pm, and Abe will deliver a speech on Asia-Pacific security at around 8 pm.

During the three-day conference, delegations and experts will have in-depth discussions on various sub-topics. Although it is claimed to be held by independent think tanks, China normally does not assign senior officials to participate as it considers the conference maintains and enhances the leading role of the US in the Asia-Pacific region.

An article in online news magazine the Diplomat commented on Chinese foreign policy being more flexible and sophisticated, saying that China’s attendance shows its participation in the existing structure of Asia, although not fully acknowledging it.