Shangri-la Dialogue kicks off with challenges to Asia's security taking center stage

SINGAPORE - The 17th Shangri-La Dialogue opened here Friday night with the challenges to Asia's security taking the center stage.

Defense ministers, security experts and diplomats will discuss the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, anti-terrorism and security cooperation, among others, at the dialogue.

The Chinese delegation to the dialogue is led by He Lei, vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

In a keynote speech to open the event, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures, and no nation can shape and secure it on its own.

"It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together," said Modi.

On the relations between India and China, Modi said the two countries have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border, Modi said.

Since its launch in 2002 by the British think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Singaporean government, the Shangri-La Dialogue, officially known as the Asia Security Summit, has been held annually.