Asia defense summit opens amid doubts over U.S. priorities : NPR

SINGAPORE — At Asia’s leading defense summit, held in Singapore, the focus is on China’s swift military advancements and assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific, alongside growing unease about U.S. priorities. The event, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is attended by global leaders, diplomats, and security officials. It occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East due to recent attacks jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire in the Iran war, and an intensifying conflict in Ukraine fueled by Russia.

The conference begins on Friday with a keynote speech from Vietnamese leader To Lam, followed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday, who will discuss the Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Vietnam navigates a delicate superpower balance

This year, Lam has strengthened his position in Vietnam by assuming roles as both Communist Party general secretary and president, breaking away from the nation’s tradition of shared leadership. Vietnam, like several regional countries, faces maritime disputes with Beijing, yet remains economically intertwined with China, its largest trade partner. Meanwhile, the U.S. is Vietnam’s top export market and is attempting to enhance diplomatic ties and expand defense contracts to reduce Hanoi’s reliance on Russia, its traditional ally.

Despite upgrading diplomatic relations with Washington, leaked documents suggest Vietnam’s military is wary of U.S. intentions and has prepared to counter a potential American “war of aggression.”

In his address, Lam is expected to emphasize consensus in managing differences and collaborate on regional stability and development, while balancing relations with both Washington and Beijing.

Lam is anticipated to meet with Hegseth on the sidelines of the conference. Hegseth, in his second appearance at the event, previously drew criticism from Beijing for statements about China’s military threats. Last year, he remarked that China poses a real and potentially imminent threat, suggesting its military was “rehearsing for the real deal.”

Hegseth has stated that the U.S. plans to bolster its defenses against perceived threats, particularly regarding China’s aggressive stance towards Taiwan.

FILE – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, and General Secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party To Lam shake hands in Hanoi, Vietnam, Nov. 2, 2025.

Hau Dinh/AP

hide caption

toggle caption

Hau Dinh/AP

Questions about US commitments

This year’s summit occurs just two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. During their meetings, Xi cautioned that the two nations could face conflict over Taiwan if the issue is mishandled. Following the discussions, Trump praised Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism about their future relationship. However, he also questioned Washington’s commitment to defending Taiwan, referring to a $14 billion arms package, yet to be approved, as a “very good negotiating chip” with China.

China asserts its claim over Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island, and Xi has not ruled out using force to reclaim it. The U.S. continues to supply Taiwan with aircraft, missiles, and other weapons, adhering to a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding potential military intervention if China attacks.

Trump’s stance on Taiwan appears more ambivalent than previous presidents, sparking speculation about the possibility of reducing American support. Hegseth’s speech is expected to emphasize the U.S. military’s pragmatic approach to safeguarding national interests in the Indo-Pacific, according to the Pentagon. Given the recent meeting in Beijing, it’s unlikely Hegseth will overshadow Trump’s remarks.

China is set to offer its perspective in Sunday’s dialogue, although it is sending only a lower-level delegation this year, as reported by Chinese media. The identity of the speaker has not been disclosed, and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun did not attend last year’s event.

Ukraine and the Middle East are unavoidable topics

While the conference primarily focuses on Asian security issues, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Iran war, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz, cannot be ignored. The strait’s closure has led to a surge in global oil prices, causing economic challenges worldwide. Qatar’s defense minister is among the speakers this weekend.

On the eve of the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a letter to Trump and the U.S. Congress, requesting additional American-made air defense ammunition to counter Russia’s intensified missile attacks. Zelenskyy, who made a surprise appearance at Shangri-La two years ago, is not expected this year. However, top European defense officials, including representatives from Lithuania and Poland, are among the speakers.