5th June 2023 – (Beijing) China issued a warning to NATO on Monday to keep their hands off Asia, stressing that it will not allow any form of war, cold or hot, to repeat in the region. The statement came in response to remarks made by officials from Indonesia and Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue, where they said that they did not want to “choose sides” between China and the United States.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that “a certain country intends to launch a ‘new cold war’ in Asia and forces countries in the region to choose sides.” He added that Asian countries share the common wish of adhering to strategic independence and preserving regional peace and stability.
Wang criticised the U.S.’s intention to form military blocs in Asia under the guise of “maintaining peace and prosperity,” saying that it was a disguised attempt to interfere in the region and sow discord. He urged countries in the region to reject such attempts and work towards mutual respect and cooperation.
The Shangri-La Dialogue, one of Asia’s most important security summits, was recently held in Singapore from 2nd to 4th June. The event brought together defence ministers, military officials, and experts from around the world to discuss security challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.