Snubbing a key security forum shows Beijing’s new confidence.
Delegates grapple with AI, seabed security and regional flashpoints as China keeps low profile
World Insights: China's security vision resonates at Shangri-La Dialogue-
China skipped Shangri-La for the second year, delegating PLA experts instead of defence minister—rejecting it as US-dominated. Beijing's peer-power status bifurcates tech supply chains, governance for semiconductors, cloud, data standards outside US control.
While Washington and Beijing softened their rhetoric this year, the US-dominated forum is exhausting its function as a space for engagement.