The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue took place in Singapore between 31 May and 2 June this year. The annual forum, which sees representatives from 28 Asia-Pacific states meeting to discuss current issues, was dominated this year by the emergent conflict between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Presenting speeches on 1 and 2 June, representatives of both nations took a strong stand. These comments come at a time when relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China are faltering.

In his first major international speech, acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, stating: “Perhaps the greatest long-term threat to the vital interests of states across this region comes from actors who seek to undermine, rather than uphold, the rules-based international order.” While avoiding any direct reference to the People’s Republic of China, commentators have interpreted his words as a warning to the nation. Shanahan noted that the United States seeks a productive relationship with the PRC but would not allow the sovereignty of foreign powers to be eroded in doing so.

The following day, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe spoke. This makes the first representative of the PRC to do so since 2011. In his speech, Wei focused on reiterating China’s commitment to the ‘One-China’ policy, which sees the PRC refuse to recognise Taiwan as an independent state: “No attempts to split China will succeed. Any interference in the Taiwan question is doomed to failure.” While his speech was sprinkled with threats, Wei expressed the PRC’s reluctance to be engaged in any military conflict with the United States, stating: “The two sides realize that conflict or a war between them would bring disaster to both countries and the world.”

Tension between the two nations has been emerging in several areas. Shortly after the presidential election of 2016, then President-elect Donald Trump received a congratulatory phone call from Tsai Ing-Wen, President of Taiwan. This marked the first time an American leader has spoken with a Taiwanese president since 1979; concern was raised at the time over the impact that this would have on China-United States relations, especially as the PRC sees Taiwan as part of ‘One China’. While this appears to have had limited impact, Wei’s speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue could be seen as a strengthening of China’s position on the matter. More recently, the United States and the PRC have been engaged in a trade war, following the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration. This has been widely condemned by international commentators, but at present, neither nation appears willing to relent.

In such an interconnected world, the fiery rhetoric expressed by representatives of the United States and China is concerning. These speeches, rather than appearing as statements of peace, come across as a strengthening of resolve for both powers. While strong diplomatic positions can often lead to positive changes, the current scenario requires flexibility. Currently, the path to peace is becoming harder to walk. Hopefully, this trend does not continue; if it does, the ramifications will be global in nature.