IISS Shangri‑La Flags Rising Indo‑Pacific Defence Ties
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- IISS released takeaways from its 2026 Shangri‑La Dialogue, emphasizing rising defense spending, China’s expanding role in Asia, and strategic lessons drawn from Ukraine’s conflict.
- CNBC Asia reported that China’s regional influence is growing as the United States, under Trump, appears to pull back from active engagement in the Indo‑Pacific.
- Reuters highlighted that deeper defence ties are emerging among Indo‑Pacific nations amid growing US strategic doubts and China’s ascendancy.
- Politico reported that Hegseth’s message to Asian partners opened with the phrase “Do M”.
Why it matters: Japan, Australia and India gain security cooperation and procurement contracts, while the United States risks losing strategic foothold in the Indo‑Pacific, accelerating a power shift toward China.
