A top Chinese general strongly criticized on Saturday Japan-U.S. ballistic missile cooperation.
"China is quite concerned about the intention of the United States and Japan. We are worried this kind of deployment would destabilize Asia and create uncertainty in terms of regional stability and peace," Zhang Qinsheng, deputy chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army, said at a conference in Singapore on security in the Asia-Pacific.
"If Japan and the United deploy missile defense systems that covers Taiwan...China believes that any bilateral military cooperation should never target a third party or infringe the interest of a third party," he said at the conference that involves defense ministers and military chiefs from more than 20 countries and about 300 other delegates.
By Greg Torode
Tonight, Singapore plays host to a dinner unlike any other in the region.
Senior defence officials, analysts and industry figures taking part in the Shangri-La Dialogue this weekend gather in the same room for their annual bash.
Technically, it is an informal gathering so the usual diplomatic red tape does not apply. Representatives are supposed to feel a little more relaxed - in theory. But the seating plan is still tricky.
Military delegations from India and Pakistan must be accommodated despite mutual suspicions; British defence chiefs rub shoulders, if not handshakes, with members of Myanmar's junta.
"It is a very successful formula," said one veteran Asian delegate. "You get people together who would not often talk, much less get together in the same room ? it can only be a positive thing. Not everyone is all smiles but the sheer diversity is incredible."
Created six years ago by a London-based independent think-tank, the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), the event grows each year.
Countries sending ministers include Japan, India, South Korea, France, the UK and the US. Beijing is represented this year by Lieutenant-General Zhang Qinsheng , deputy chief of the PLA's General Staff.
Smaller emerging powers waving their flags include Mongolia, Vietnam and Thailand.
The mainland's military, diplomatic and economic emergence is, of course, a key issue for formal and private discussions. General Zhang is set to speak this morning.
North Korean delegates are conspicuous by their absence, even though the impasse over progress on February's nuclear agreement is a hot topic on the sidelines.
With the deal stalled by continuing problems over the release of North Korean funds from Macau's Banco Delta Asia, many insiders are questioning the value of the US financial crackdown - and particularly whether it will prove a worthwhile future tactic against rogue states.
All eyes will be on new US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates, who is using the event to kick off his first trip to Asia since replacing the controversial Donald Rumsfeld.
Mr Rumsfeld used last year's event to work an attempted charm offensive, seeking to remind Asia that the US was still an "Asian power" with a belief in engagement.
Dr Gates is likely to continue in a similar vein, defence officials said.
"We have not been diverted by Iraq or Afghanistan," said one Pentagon official. "That is the message. We are here to remind people that we are still engaged."
Dr Gates is expected to repeat Pentagon concerns over the mainland's military build-up, but couched in careful terms.
It is apparently no accident that the Pentagon has over the last two years started releasing its annual report on the mainland's military development to Congress just a week before the Singapore meeting. Beijing has expressed concern over its content and tone.
Dr Gates is expected to meet several of his regional counterparts on the fringes, beyond which lurk senior intelligence officials, tucked away behind suitably vague titles.
Another prominent delegate is Nigel Inkster, IISS director of transnational threats and political risk. His CV is an interesting read, having recently joined the institute after more than 30 years with the British Secret Intelligence Service. A Putonghua speaker and an Asia veteran, Mr Inkster spent his last two years at the SIS as director of operations and intelligence.
Then there are the defence contractors. The US, British, French and Singaporean delegations all include key figures from companies such as Raytheon, Boeing, BAE Systems and Singapore Technologies Engineering.
"It is a networking bonanza for those guys," said a regional arms-industry analyst. "You can do a months' work in three days. There is no other event like it."
