Hegseth lands in Singapore for talks ahead of Shangri-La Dialogue

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived early on May 29 in Singapore, where he will meet with regional leaders and security counterparts ahead of a closely watched address at a major Asian security forum on May 30.



Mr Hegseth is set to meet Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing to discuss expanding US military asset rotations and enhancing training support for the city-state's armed forces, according to a senior US defence official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity because the schedule is not public.



He will also hold talks on May 29 with Vietnam's top leader To Lam, which are expected to focus on maritime security cooperation and unmanned capabilities, the official said, as Washington and Hanoi continue expanding ties amid a growing Chinese presence in the disputed South China Sea.



Mr Hegseth will also meet counterparts from Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Australia and New Zealand during the trip.