The Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore closed on Sunday without direct talks taking place between the United States and Chinese defense chiefs.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu were among defense officials who attended the three-day conference.

Tensions between the US and China have continued since February when the US military shot down a Chinese balloon that flew over the US mainland.

Austin and Li only had a short conversation at dinner on the first day. The Chinese side said they did not hold talks.

The US and China respectively had bilateral meetings with other countries, mainly Asian nations including Japan, to express their views on the South China Sea and Taiwan.

Ukrainian defense minister Oleksii Reznikov was also at the conference. He met with delegates from Japan, the US, Singapore and other Asian countries to explain Ukraine's stance and ask for support amid Russia's invasion of the country. But he only exchanged greetings with the Chinese delegation. China has close ties with Russia.

Ministers from European countries also attended this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, apparently reflecting their high interests in the Asia-Pacific region, which is facing a significant change in the security environment.