The 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue was held in Singapore from May 29th to 31st. This conference was organized by the UK Institute of Strategic Studies. It is named after the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, where it takes place every year. The event is considered an important occasion for defense leaders from various countries to exchange strategic ideas.
According to foreign media such as Bloomberg, on the morning of the 30th local time, U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel delivered a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. While praising the current relationship between the United States and China as better than many years ago, he also stated that the U.S. will further strengthen its cooperation with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S.s strategy in this region will be centered around deterrence along the First Island Chain.
Hong Kongs South China Morning Post noted that during his 25-minute speech, Hagee remained tough on China. However, compared to last year, there was less confrontational tone in his remarks. He not only failed to mention the issue of Taiwan directly, but also avoided giving direct answers during the follow-up questioning sessions.
However, regarding the issue of dealing with allies, Haggis warned firmly that the era of taking advantage of America has come to an end. He specifically targeted European countries and NATO allies, while praising Asian allies for undertaking more defense responsibilities.
At the beginning of his speech, Haggis praised the military actions taken by the United States against Venezuela and Iran. He said that the U.S. has reintroduced a proactive and pragmatic national defense strategy, thereby reestablishing its deterrence. He also stated that this approach will make the U.S. stronger, as well as enabling its allies and partners to become more capable. Additionally, he believed that this approach will contribute to greater stability and security in the Pacific region.
When discussing the relationship between the United States and China, Haggis said that under Trumps leadership, relations between the two countries are better than they have been for many years. He also mentioned that the Trump administration aims to establish a stable, peaceful, fair trade-oriented, and mutually respectful relationship with China. Both sides recognize the importance of establishing a bilateral relationship based on principles of fairness and mutual benefit, as well as being constructive and stable.
He stated that interactions with China will be carefully considered. We will deliberate carefully about how and when to communicate. In general, the approach to relations with China will be one of using a heavy stick but speaking softly.
This indicates that the United States will continue its strategic competition with China, as has been the case in recent years. In his speech, Haggis described China as being engaged in military expansion on a historic scale. The increasing military activities of China in the Pacific region and other areas have raised legitimate concerns among the international community.
He stated, We have a clear and informed assessment of this security situation. We also agree that if any hegemonic nation takes control of the Pacific region, the balance of power in the region will be disrupted, and it will undermine the equilibrium that we all wish to maintain.
Hagel further stated that what the United States aims to achieve is ensuring that no country, including China, can establish hegemony, and ensuring that the security and prosperity of the United States and its allies are not threatened.
On May 30th, U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel delivered a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Video screenshot
He suggested that the United States would strengthen its military deployments in the Pacific region, using the first island chain as a core element. This would help prevent any party from achieving decisive results through force. Additionally, the US would share information with its allies and partners, thereby giving them the ability to contribute to collective defense efforts.
However, Haggess also stated that the United States will not respond to China with unnecessary confrontation. He said that, rather than relying on empty rhetoric and showy displays, the United States will prioritize developing lethal combat capabilities, maintaining strategic discipline, and adopting a more practical approach.
The South China Morning Post reported that until the end of his 25-minute speech, Haggis did not mention Taiwan, the most sensitive issue in Sino-US relations. Compared to his remarks at that security forum last year, the confrontational tone of his speech was somewhat reduced.
In the Q&A session after the speech, when asked whether the war in Iran would affect military sales to Taiwan, Haggis replied, I prefer to consider these two issues separately. We are very satisfied with our own arsenal.
Regarding the decision by the United States to postpone a military sales deal worth $14 billion with Taiwan, Haggis also avoided direct comments, stating, As the president said, decisions regarding future arms sales to Taiwan will be determined by him and the relationship between the two countries.
On the 28th, Chinas Ministry of National Defense stated that it firmly opposes the United States sale of weapons to Taiwan. The Chinese sides stance is consistent and clear. The US should adhere to the principle of one China and the provisions of the three joint communiques between China and the US, especially the 817 communique. It must implement the important agreements reached during the meeting between Chinese and American leaders, fulfill its commitments and statements to China, and handle the Taiwan issue with great care. By taking practical actions, China will ensure the stability, health, and sustainable development of relations between China and the US, as well as between their militaries.
Bloomberg noted that Haggis tone when discussing his alliance system was significantly more assertive. He pointed out that the Trump administration would prioritize cooperation with model allies who are capable, visionary, and willing to defend their own national interests. Countries that continue to rely on the United States to bear the majority of defense responsibilities need to adjust their expectations.
For those who believe they can continue to take advantage of the generosity of American taxpayers, let us remind you: That era is over. warned Haggess. All those allies who refuse to take responsibility and who are unwilling to contribute to our common defense efforts will face significant changes in how the United States cooperates with them.
It is widely believed that Haggiss remarks refer to Europe. He once again pressured his allies regarding defense spending, demanding that American allies and partners increase their defense expenditures to 3.5% of their GDP. He also pointed out that the United States itself invests far more than this level.
Hagel criticized European allies for not following the United States advice to increase military spending, while praising Asian allies as examples of those who take responsibility for their own defense efforts. He said that South Korea has consistently increased its defense investments over time. President Lee Jae-myungs decision to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP reflects a clear understanding of the regional security situation.
In his speech, Haggis also praised several Asian countries. He mentioned that the Philippine budget includes a 12% increase in defense spending. They are making significant investments to modernize their military and coast guard forces. Australia is taking on shared responsibilities with us. Singapore, he said, continues to play a role that exceeds its size, investing heavily in military development and serving as an important hub for U.S. logistical activities and troop deployments.
Bloomberg noted that the defense leaders from various countries present responded indifferently to Haggess praise. There was only a few scattered applause from the audience.
Regarding Japan, Haggess said that Japan is taking concrete measures to accelerate its defense transformation. However, there is still a lot of work to be done ahead. We have high expectations for Japans allies. With our joint efforts, we will surely be able to complete the task.
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Hagel also said that the United States has long been burdened with unproportional responsibilities regarding security matters in the Pacific region. This represents a poor deal for American taxpayers, and it also amounts to unsustainable reliance on allies and partners. He called for American allies and partners to share responsibility, which would be a key component of U.S. strategy.
However, it is worth noting that Japans defense spending as a percentage of GDP last year exceeded 2%. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 22nd that latest data shows that Japans defense spending will increase by 9.7% in 2025. Both the amount and the proportion of defense spending to GDP have reached record highs. Additionally, the quantity of imported weapons will increase by 76% within five years. On the basis of continuous increases in military spending for 14 consecutive years, Japanese right-wing forces continue to advocate for higher defense expenditures. This once again demonstrates that Japan is gradually shedding its guise as a peaceful nation and stepping closer toward the path of new types of militarism.
The Chinese side stated that countries in the Asia-Pacific region should be highly vigilant and resolutely resist any attempts by Japan to engage in new types of militarism. They must work together to safeguard the peace and order in the Asia-Pacific region.
