Senior military official to meet defense chiefs at key Singapore dialogue

Ministry of National Defense spokesman Yang Yujun briefs Chinese media in Singapore on Friday morning. [Photo by ZHANG YUNBI/CHINA DAILY]

Senior Chinese military official Sun Jianguo will meet with defense and military leaders from Russia, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam and Thailand during the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Ministry of National Defense spokesman Yang Yujun told Chinese media in Singapore on Friday morning.

The dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, will be held from Friday through Sunday in Singapore.

Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, will lead the Chinese delegation attending the dialogue from Friday to Sunday.

The spokesman said Sun will deliver a keynote speech during a plenary session on Sunday and answer questions from the attending delegates.

During his speech, Sun will elaborate on China's policies and practices regarding strengthening Asia-Pacific security cooperation and promoting regional security governance, Yang said.

Throughout his attendance at the dialogue, Sun will elaborate on China's positions on international and regional security issues and introduce the contributions made by the Chinese military to champion peace, security and stability in the world and in the Asia-Pacific region, the spokesman added.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is scheduled to give the keynote speech on Friday evening at the influential gathering of senior defense officials from within and outside the Asia-Pacific region.