In a significant shift of tone, China's new defense minister, Admiral Dong Jun, issued a stern warning during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Dong asserted that those supporting Taiwan's independence would face "self-destruction" and emphasized that the possibility of a peaceful reunification with the island nation was diminishing.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defense summit that attracts officials from across the region, presented China with an opportunity to project a responsible image. Following a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Adm. Dong engaged in diplomatic conversations, including recommending the best place in China to see pandas. However, his subsequent speech reflected a hardened stance on sensitive subjects.

Prominent security experts noted that Dong's address was particularly assertive, with Rory Medcalf, the head of the National Security College at Australian National University, describing it as the "most consistently intimidating speech we've heard from China at a Shangri-La Dialogue."

During the summit, neighboring countries openly criticized China's coercive activities in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Notably, the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cautioned that any harm to Filipinos due to such behavior would be considered an act of war, potentially drawing the U.S., with whom Manila has a mutual defense treaty, into a conflict.

The U.S. official expressed concerns about China's military activities in the region, including those around the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea. Chinese Coast Guard vessels have been involved in months-long harassment of Philippine vessels, even resorting to using water cannons and disabling ships.

Australia's defense minister, Richard Marles, stressed that as China assumes a larger role, it must accept greater scrutiny in its exercise of power. Meanwhile, Austin reiterated the Pentagon's stance that conflict in the region is not imminent or unavoidable.

The resumption of military talks between China and the U.S. following a summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November was seen as a positive sign. During his speech, Adm. Dong stressed the importance of communication, yet critics pointed out the discrepancy between China's words and its actions.

Shortly before the conference, China conducted military drills near Taiwan in response to a speech by the island nation's new president, who is considered by some in Beijing to be advocating for independence. Dong labeled these exercises as a "punishment" and accused external interfering forces, likely referring to the U.S. and its allies, of contributing to tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan.

However, during the Q&A session, Dong faced criticism for the mismatch between China's signals and its actions. He refused to address questions about China's involvement in the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza but discussed at length his concerns about those seeking Taiwanese independence.

The Shangri-La Dialogue concluded with Dong attempting to lighten the atmosphere by making a quick joke about feeling the charm of the event. However, the firm stance taken by China's defense minister on issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea highlighted the country's determination to protect its interests in the region.

As tensions continue to simmer, China's engagement with the international community and the progression of its military activities will be closely monitored by regional neighbors and global powers alike.