CNA Correspondent Podcast: Crucial talks, tension and Zelenskyy: Unpacking the Shangri-La Dialogue

Leaders from around the world gathered in Singapore to discuss some of the world’s most pressing security challenges at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Teresa Tang takes us behind-the-scenes with CNA's Olivia Siong and Leong Wai Kit to give a glimpse of what happens at these high-level meets, and how plans changed after a surprise appearance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Jump to these key moments:

• 0:34 A look behind the scenes 
• 6:50 How journalists cover live events
• 11:11 Reading into China defence minister’s speech
• 19:45 Having access is key to being fly on the wall 
• 22:31 Being in the room with Zelenskyy
   

Here's an excerpt of the conversation.

Olivia Siong, Beijing Correspondent:

Actually, one of the interesting things that happened as well was, I had the opportunity to speak with the IISS executive chairman, Sir John Chipman, who was instrumental in bringing the Ukrainian president to the Shangri-La Dialogue.

I asked him, “Why and how did it happen?” He said the Ukrainian president himself wanted to be here in person, and he wanted to reach out to get support. For this upcoming peace conference that’s going to take place in Switzerland, I asked him, “Did it take convincing to get him here?” And he said, no, it didn't. He wanted to be here even though what's happening in Ukraine right now is difficult. So that was an interesting moment, I think.

Teresa Tang, Host, CNA Correspondent podcast:

At the end of the day, do you think these types of dialogues get us anywhere? Is it just a bunch of officials in suits and uniforms talking? Or do you think real progress will be made once they leave these hotel walls?

Leong Wai Kit, ASEAN Correspondent:

I think what is real is the follow-up work. I think each delegation goes back with a renewed agenda to follow up on and they would, in fact, from the series of meetings they had, reach out to whomever they need to reach out to to get work done. So the follow-up is real. The progress - and I think in that sense - because there is will to continue the work and discussion and to do something on a different level, I think that is heartening. 

Olivia:

Well, I think sometimes at the end of the day, we are so focused on this particular event. It's so intense for these few days and all the headlines that come out. But we also have to remember that this is just one event in the world of events that's taking place. There are so many talks that go on in diplomatic channels, back channels. And there's a lot of talking. And I think one of the things that talking to delegates who have been present observers, what they do say is that it's better to talk than not at all.