Defense ministers and senior diplomats from across the Indo-Pacific converged in Singapore for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum, known for its frank assessments of regional security challenges, featured discussions that centered on partnership, collective defense, and the evolving nature of global threats in an increasingly interconnected world.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for defense leaders to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation. Participants examined a range of topics, including multinational efforts to counter transnational threats and the importance of sustained military interoperability. Plenary sessions featured discussions on building resilience against emerging challenges, including digital disruption and the proliferation of unmanned systems, and underscored the need for a stable and open international system that underpins regional peace.
Among the high-ranking officials in attendance was NATO Deputy Chair Lt. Gen. Andrew Rohling, who took part in a series of sessions and bilateral meetings. The general met with Indo-Pacific counterparts to discuss shared interests and areas where NATO’s expertise could complement regional defense initiatives. These interactions underscored the Alliance’s commitment to deepening security cooperation and provided a forum for how best to address persistent vulnerabilities.
While no Indo-Pacific nation has formally joined NATO, several countries, including Australia, Japan and South Korea, regularly participate in NATO summits as the Alliance recognizes that events in the Indo-Pacific affect Europe. According to a release from NATO in late 2024, “The Indo-Pacific is important for the Alliance, given that developments in that region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security. Moreover, NATO and its Partners in the region share common values and a goal of working together to uphold the [stable and open international system].”
Rohling’s attendance was noted as a strategic signal that NATO is prepared to adapt to a rapidly changing security environment by welcoming new Partners and aligning its objectives with broader international efforts to ensure stability.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was also among the attendees. His participation highlighted the United States’ ongoing commitment to multilateral engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Hegseth’s presence served as a reminder that key security stakeholders continue to embrace the concept of collective defense to meet contemporary challenges.
The Shangri-La Dialogue proved to be a key venue for dialogue and strategic convergence. The event reinforced a shared understanding among participants: that enduring stability in a complex regional landscape hinges on consistent international dialogue and collective action.