Defense spokesperson: U.S. exploits Shangri-La Dialogue to create dispute

A Chinese defense spokesperson on Sunday said the United States habitually exploits the Shangri-La Dialogue to create dispute, incite confrontation and pursue its own interests.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in a statement expressing opposition to the negative remarks related to China made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. 

The U.S. defense secretary's remarks were saturated with entrenched hegemonic logic, bullying tactics and Cold War mentality, Zhang said. 

They grossly violate China's sovereign rights, distort China's policy positions, blatantly disregard regional countries' joint efforts to uphold prosperity and stability, and severely deviate from the global aspiration for peace and development, he said. "We express grave dissatisfaction and resolute opposition."