China's engagement with regional security multilateralism: the case of the Shangri-La dialogue

Abstract

Using a case study of Beijing�s participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent annual security gathering in Singapore, this article analyses China�s approach to Asian security multilateralism. It does so by developing and employing a typology consisting of four characterizations of multilateral engagement: China as �blocker�; China as �socialized participant�; China as �shaper�; and China as �opportunistic participant�. The article shows that in its approach to the Shangri-La Dialogue, China displays all four of these traits, while noting that some are more prevalent and compelling at certain points in time. It uses this finding to draw conclusions about Beijing�s future engagement with the Shangri-La Dialogue and its broader approach to security multilateralism. It also contributes to the larger debate over whether China is a �revisionist� or a �status quo� rising power.