Global tensions set to stalk Singapore's flagship defense summit

The annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this week is expected to focus heavily on the war in Iran, growing tensions over Taiwan, and concerns about the United States’ commitment to security in Asia.

The high-level defense forum, scheduled from May 29 to 31, gathers defense ministers, military officials, diplomats, analysts, and defense industry leaders from around the world for discussions on regional and global security issues.

Vietnamese President To Lam is set to deliver the keynote address on Friday, but much of the attention is expected to center on U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as Washington faces mounting pressure over the ongoing conflict in Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that negotiations with Iran should not be rushed, signaling that efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain. Trump also said the U.S. blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place until a formal agreement is reached.

The conflict has disrupted global trade and energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil and gas shipments — remaining effectively closed since fighting erupted on February 28. Rising oil prices have added pressure to supply chains and inflation, particularly in Asia’s import-dependent economies.

Regional allies are expected to closely watch Hegseth’s remarks for indications of whether the Trump administration remains fully committed to Asia while also dealing with conflicts in the Middle East and tensions with Europe.

Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, said countries in the region remain concerned about the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on regional stability.

He said the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran remains the most pressing issue for Asia due to its potential effects on energy security and economic stability.

Another major question surrounding the summit is whether China will send Defense Minister Dong Jun after Beijing skipped last year’s dialogue. China later accused Hegseth of making remarks that unfairly targeted Beijing.

China’s defense ministry has not confirmed who will attend the forum, despite increasing tensions with Taiwan following recent talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump in Beijing earlier this month.

Beijing has increased military activity around Taiwan in recent weeks, keeping Taipei on alert over possible further actions. China considers Taiwan part of its territory, a claim rejected by Taiwan’s government.

Bonnie Glaser, head of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund, said Hegseth is likely to be cautious in discussing China following the recent summit between Xi and Trump. She added that the U.S. could continue encouraging allies in the region to increase defense spending.

Analysts also expect discussions on how smaller Asian nations can manage growing competition between the U.S. and China, as well as security concerns in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca.

Vietnamese President To Lam is also expected to emphasize Vietnam’s neutral foreign policy stance as Hanoi strengthens ties with both Washington and Beijing while continuing to defend its maritime claims in disputed waters.

Lam, who now serves as both president and Communist Party chief, is widely seen as Vietnam’s most powerful leader in decades and is expected to take on a larger international diplomatic role. -Reporting by Xinghui Kok and Greg Torode in Hong Kong; additional reporting by Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi and Beijing newsroom.Editing by Shri Navaratnam/Reuters