Delegates grapple with AI, seabed security and regional flashpoints as China keeps low profile

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is the headline speaker at Asia's premier defence summit opening Friday, but China's top officials aren't expected despite weighty questions like…

Asia's top security summit, hosted in Singapore, opens against a backdrop of mounting geopolitical tensions and questions about US priorities in the region.

SINGAPORE, May 29 — Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is the headline speaker at Asia’s premier defence summit opening today, but China’s top officials aren’t expected despite...

Chinese defence minister’s absence from Shangri-La Dialogue means no meeting there with Hegseth.

Asia's top defense summit convenes amid rising concerns over China's military might and assertiveness. Leaders will discuss America's Indo-Pacific strategy and regional stability.…

While the US defence chief gave gung-ho speech at last year’s conference, post-summit reset in ties may prompt moderation.

World Insights: Security challenges loom large as Asia's premier defense summit kicks off-

Policemen are on duty at the Shangri-La Hotel, the venue for the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore, May 29, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

His address comes as global tensions remain elevated, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

His address comes as global tensions remain elevated, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

Speech is expected to give first indication of American policy direction in the Indo-Pacific since the Trump-Xi summit two weeks ago.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is the headline speaker at Asia's premier defense summit, which began on Friday with top Chinese officials notably absent despite weighty questions…

SINGAPORE, May 30 — The big question hanging over this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence forum, is: “Where is China?”For the second year running, Chinese...

The US has addressed defence leaders in Singapore, outlining America's geopolitical goals.

In the wake of the Xi-Trump summit, the US and Chinese delegations dispense with the tough talk of previous years.

The plenary session at the Shangri-La Dialogue focuses on how security partnerships are adapting in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.

The summit sees top world leaders, defence officials and key executives gathering in Singapore from May 29 to 31

Signapore's defence minister was also asked about China's participation at this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, to which he asked people not to use the phrase "low-level Chinese…

China’s defence minister may not have attended this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue but the country still loomed large and remained at the centre of discussion.

In response to Hegseth’s call, participants at the Singapore forum say defence spending levels have to factor in different countries’ needs.