Shangri-La Dialogue: Vagueness from US disappoints many
The highlight of any Shangri-La Dialogue is Sino-US rivalry. However, China is probably rubbing its hands in glee after 1.5 days of the dialogue have been completed. It has safely negotiated its way through the Singapore event so far without facing any real sharp criticism. Indeed, France has perhaps been the most direct with China so far.
Those hoping for fireworks and a firm stance from the US would have been disappointed by Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan’s speech in the first plenary session.
His deferential remarks to US Senate Armed Service Committee members and senators in the audience, who
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.