The 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense and security summit, opened here on Friday amid geopolitical tensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year’s dialogue drew representatives from 47 countries, including 40 ministerial-level delegates, 20 chief of defense forces-level delegates, over 20 senior defense officials, and prominent academics, according to the Singapore Ministry of Defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Chinese delegation from the National Defense University of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is attending the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a keynote speech late Friday, where he’s expected to position France — and Europe — as champions of international cooperation and rules-based trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to speak on Saturday about America’s “new ambitions for Indo-Pacific security.” Observers say he faces a tough task in convincing Asian allies, many of whom remain uneasy about President Donald Trump’s disruptive policies, not least those related to trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will also give a speech on Saturday and make clear how, amid global geopolitical uncertainties and sharpened geo-economic fault lines, Malaysia as ASEAN’s current chair, provides strategic leadership for the region and beyond, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the organizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is also scheduled to speak on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Analysts say key topics will likely include regional cooperation, the U.S. security policies and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The implications of sweeping U.S. tariffs are also likely to attract attention, as officials will use the platform to reassure partners and navigate an increasingly multipolar security landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dialogue runs from Friday through Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n