Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, vice president of the National Defense University of the PLA, is leading the Chinese delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore, sponsored by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). This was revealed not by the PLA, but by the IISS, when it published the list of attendees. China’s Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang only said on May 29 that a delegation from the National Defense University had been invited, but he did not name any names, reported Global Times.
Zhang said on May 29 that the delegation from the National Defense University will engage in in-depth exchanges with participants to foster common understanding on regional security and stability. According to the conference agenda released by the organizer, members of the National Defense University of the PLA delegation will participate in parallel meetings, young leaders’ programs and other activities. Over the years, the PLA has sent personnel to participate in the Shangri-La Dialogue for the purpose of exchanges and mutual trust, cooperation and peace.
The absence of Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has set off speculation as to why. Channel News Asia](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-shangrila-dialogue-sld-security-dong-jun-absence-5160381), citing analysts, several of whom it quotes, speculates that China’s decision to not send Dong reflects a deliberate decision on Beijing’s part to withhold ministerial-level participation amid fraught geopolitical conditions.
