Images outside the Shangri-la Hotel in Singapore as the IISS Shangri-la Dialogue defence summit kicks off on Friday. Asia's potential conflict flashpoints like the Taiwan Strait will come under the spotlight when the world's defence chiefs and senior military officials gather in Singapore this weekend for the region's top security forum. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his new Chinese counterpart, General Li Shangfu, will headline at the June 2-4 Shangri-La Dialogue, organisers said, reflecting how the US-Sino rivalry continues to shape Asia's strategic landscape. Beijing has declined a US invitation for a meeting in Singapore between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, the Pentagon said. IMAGES