The Pentagon is pursuing a scheduled exchange between United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and China’s defense minister Li Shangfu during the Shangri-La Dialogue, which occurs in Singapore in June. The aim is to arrange a formal discussion within the context of this regional security forum that gathers defense ministers and senior military leaders from multiple Asia-Pacific nations.
Previously, a meeting between Secretary Austin and Li Shangfu’s predecessor, General Wei Fenghe, occurred at the same event. In the current context, Li Shangfu remains under U.S. sanctions, unlike his predecessor who did not face such measures at that time.
The Shangri-La Dialogue is planned for June 2–4 and serves as a platform for high-level engagement on security issues across the region.
Commentary from media commentators has highlighted varying interpretations of the strategic posture toward China and Russia. A number of observers have pointed to the broader U.S. defense budgeting process, noting discussions about defense priorities for the coming year. Some analyses have framed these discussions as aimed at addressing what they describe as challenges posed by China and its strategic posture.
Analysts from think tanks have also weighed in on the tone of the U.S.–China relationship, with debates about whether current policy reflects a hardening stance or a push toward managed competition. These conversations occur alongside ongoing assessments of regional security dynamics and allied coordination within the Asia-Pacific. Overall, the dialogue at Shangri-La remains a focal point for policymakers seeking to balance deterrence, dialogue, and alliance-building in a rapidly changing environment.