The Asian Security Conference, in which defense ministers from Asia, Europe and the United States will discuss regional security issues, will begin in Singapore on the evening of June 2.
As the security environment becomes increasingly severe, such as North Korea's attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, the future of the debate is attracting attention.
The Asian Security Conference will be held in Singapore for three days until April 4, and will be attended by defense ministers from various countries, including Defense Minister Hamada of the Japan, Secretary of Defense Austin of the United States, and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu.
Prior to the meeting, bilateral talks had already begun, and U.S. Defense Secretary Austin met with Singapore's Defense Minister Ng and Chinese Defense Minister Li met with Singaporean on the 3st to strongly rebuke the U.S. side over Taiwan.
The U.S. side asked for a meeting with China in conjunction with this meeting, but the Chinese side refused, and the gap has not been bridged.
So far, there has been no information that they have met informally, such as stand-up talks, and there is interest in whether the two sides will come into contact.
The North Korean situation will also be the focus of discussion at the meeting, as North Korea will soon launch a second military reconnaissance satellite.
There is also expected to be a debate on the situation in Ukraine, and Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov is expected to attend and appeal for additional support.
Defense Minister Reznikov "Expects further assistance to Ukraine"
Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov told NHK at the venue hotel on May 2, "This is my first visit to the Asia-Pacific region since the military invasion, and we are holding bilateral and multilateral meetings," and clarified that he had explained Ukraine's position to other countries prior to the meeting.
"I would like to express my gratitude for the support from other countries and appeal to Ukraine that it continues to fight to protect its freedom and values, and that further support is needed," he said, expressing his expectation that further assistance would be provided to Ukraine by strengthening solidarity with Asian countries through the conference.
China's Defense Minister Strongly Criticizes Taiwan and the U.S.
Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has been visiting Singapore since May 5.
On the ground, Defense Minister Lee has held a series of meetings with defense ministers from Singapore, Mongolia, New Zealand and other countries.
In a meeting with Singapore's Defense Minister Ng on Wednesday, Lee referred to Taiwan and said, "We will never allow the DPP authorities to use foreign powers to attempt independence or for outside forces to use Taiwan to suppress China. Together with the Tsai Ing-wen administration of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, we strongly reined in the United States.