Pete Hegseth

As the US rows back on Indo-Pacific, Japan steps up to the plate

Japan's defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi made it clear at the Shangri-La Dialogue that he wants his country to bring together the region's security efforts.

With or without you: The U2 doctrine comes to Shangri-La

Delegates attending the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on May 30.

Hegseth strikes female and black navy officers from promotion list

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired or sidelined nearly three dozen senior military officers since taking office.

Person of the Moment

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth may just make Asia great again

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth speaking at the first plenary session at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026

Defence spending alone may not translate into better capabilities, says Chan Chun Sing

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing stressed that even as nations raise defence spending and boost their capabilities, they must take the time to reassure one another.

News analysis

The great Indo-Pacific hedge: Deeper defence ties as US doubts grow and China ascends

Strategic strike group displays CJ-20A cruise missiles during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026

The US says ships and submarines trump summits. South-east Asia politely says ‘no’

Delegates attend the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, May 30, 2026. REUTERS/Caroline Chia

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026

Malaysia rebukes Norway over cancelled missile deal; calls out global ‘hypocrisy’ on war crimes

Malaysia Defence Minister Khaled Nordin speaking at a plenary session on managing regional tensions amid global competition at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31.

New Zealand lacks billions ‘under the couch’ for greater defence spending: Finance Minister

New Zealand’s Finance Minister Nicola Willis at the press conference on the federal budget in Wellington, on May 28.

US military says it turned away blockade runner trying to reach Iranian port

Gulf of Oman map is seen in this illustration taken April 15, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.