Zelenskiy of Ukraine rules the Asia security forum while China and Taiwan exchange jabs.

Zelenskiy of Ukraine rules the Asia security forum while China and Taiwan exchange jabs.

Reuters was the first to report that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would make an unplanned appearance at Asia's largest security conference, marking his second visit to the region since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy spoke on the final day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, wearing his usual olive green T-shirt. He urged for support and participation in an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland.

"We believe our world wants to be united and act in harmony," he told the audience of formally dressed delegates and military personnel.

Zelenskyy's presence was the main highlight on Sunday, especially after China's defense chief, Li Shangfu, criticized Taiwan's "separatists," provoking a strong reaction from Taipei.

Zelenskyy was disappointed he couldn't meet with the Chinese delegation and accused Beijing of discouraging countries from attending the peace summit.

"Unfortunately, China is trying to prevent countries from coming to the peace summit," he said.

Earlier, Li Shangfu warned that peaceful "reunification" with Taiwan was becoming less likely and vowed to stop the island from gaining independence. China claims Taiwan as its territory, a claim strongly opposed by Taipei. Recently, China conducted military drills around Taiwan following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, labeled a "separatist" by Beijing.

"Separatists have made extreme statements betraying the Chinese nation and their ancestors. They will be shamed by history," Li said. He emphasized that while China seeks peaceful reunification, the People's Liberation Army is prepared to maintain national unity.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council criticized Li's comments as "provocative and irrational," reiterating that China has never ruled the island. The council said China's threats violate the UN Charter.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, noted that Li's speech offered no new insights. "For three years, new Chinese defense ministers have come to Shangri-La and given speeches contradicting the PLA's coercive actions. This year was no different," the official said.

Li's speech followed remarks by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who stressed the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to U.S. security, even as the country deals with security assistance for Ukraine and the war in Gaza.

"The United States can only be secure if Asia is secure," Austin said. "That's why the U.S. has long maintained a presence in this region."

Li and Austin had their first face-to-face meeting on Friday during the conference, lasting over an hour.