Uncertainties over Trump, Ukraine loom large ahead of Asian defence meeting

26/5/2025 19:18

Uncertainties over the Trump administration's security policies in Asia and Europe, the protracted war in Ukraine as well as fresh India-Pakistan tensions are likely to dominate Asia's leading defence meeting in Singapore later this week.



The Shangri-La Dialogue runs from May 31-June 1, attracting defence ministers, senior military and security officials, diplomats, analysts and weapons makers from around the world.



Analysts and regional diplomats say while a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday night is the keynote address, all eyes will also be on U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday when the Pentagon chief lays out his vision for the Trump administration's defence policy for the region.



Hegseth will be closely watched by Asian allies not only for his approach towards them, but also how the Trump administration views and articulates the threat from China's military modernisation and ongoing tensions in disputed waters across East Asia.