As the defense chiefs of the United States and China meet in Singapore, attention is focused on rising tensions over the future of Taiwan.
Defense chiefs from across Asia Pacific are meeting in Singapore to discuss the security challenges facing the region.
The three-day summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, attracts senior ministers, military chiefs and global security analysts.
The focus will be on foreign policy and delicate diplomatic talks will take place behind closed doors.
But relations are already cold between the world's two superpowers: China and the United States. Beijing warned Washington not to interfere in its affairs after its defense ministers met to discuss Taiwan.
While that relationship shows no signs of thawing, others are trying to find common ground.
So what alliances could be strengthened and new ones established?
And how is all this affecting the balance of power around the world?
Presenter:
Sohail Rahman
Guests:
Andy Mok, senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.
Samir Puri: Visiting Professor of War Studies at King's College London
David Des Roches, professor at the Center for Near East and South Asia Security Studies.
