The pragmatic function of WE is manifested in constructing intimate relational identity,narrowing the distance,and enhancing group cohesion.This paper,based on the national discourse meta-pragmatic stance framework,analyzes WE as relational identity in the speeches delivered by US Defense Secretary at the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit(2014-2023)to reveal how"WE"serves as a meta-pragmatic strategy in stance construction.It's found that WE is used primarily to mean military allies(Japan,South Korea,Philippines,Thailand and Australia);it also refers to new partners(India,Indonesia,Myanmar and Vietnam)and com-petitors(China,Russia and even DPRK).The relational identities constructed by U.S.with WE are dynamic and deceptive ones that work as the starting points of its national discourse stance and the supporting argu-ments to achieve its national interests in different issues.This paper,by illustrating the US's meta-pragmatic application of WE,reminds us of its misleading or deceptive function.
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