Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 kicks off in Singapore amid geopolitical tensions

The 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defense and security summit, opened on Friday amid geopolitical tensions.

This year's edition has drawn 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.

A Chinese delegation from the National Defense University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army is attending the event.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a keynote speech late Friday. Asia and Europe have a common interest in preventing the disintegration of the global order, he said.

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.

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.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is also scheduled to speak on Saturday.

Analysts say key topics will likely include regional cooperation, 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.

The event runs from Friday through Sunday.

(With input from Xinhua)