World leaders and defense officials gathered in Singapore for the 2026 IISS Shangri La Dialogue, where military spending, regional security, and the war in Ukraine became the main focus of discussions. Many countries signaled plans to increase defense budgets as global tensions continue to rise.
Pete Hegseth urged nations to spend more on defense, while countries including Japan, the Philippines, and the Netherlands said they are boosting military investments. Officials said the war in Ukraine has changed how governments think about security and military readiness.
China also drew attention after once again sending a lower level delegation instead of its defense minister. Several officials from the United States, Japan, and Europe criticized Beijing’s absence, saying it reduced opportunities for direct talks. Chinese delegates still strongly defended the country’s military policies and positions on Taiwan during the summit.
The conflict in Ukraine remained a major topic throughout the event. Defense leaders said countries are closely studying Ukraine’s use of asymmetric warfare, where smaller forces use drones, technology, and flexible tactics against stronger military powers. Many governments now see those strategies as important for future defense planning.
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