Description: Defense officials from Europe, and the US attended the Shangri – La Defense Summit in Singapore where subjects such as the war in Ukraine and Chinese influence in the Indo – Pacific topped the agenda. Lithuania’s Defense Minister, Dovile Sakaliene, while speaking at the Summit, warned global leaders of the possible ramifications the war in Ukraine would have if and whether Russia prevails, while emphasizing the importance of the authoritarian axis formed between Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. French President Emmanuel Macron opened the Summit and while addressing defense officials he largely advocated for an enhanced European engagement in the Indo – Pacific, having stated that North Korean and Chinese soldiers have been captured in Ukraine. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s address to the defense officials reiterated US support for the region while making bold statements of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
Impact: The convergence of high – level defense officials in Singapore highlighted the global rise in multilateralism and emphasized the disjointed defense initiatives from various countries. Polar opposite statements from the US and EU officials underscore several insurmountable differences which significantly impact the constellation of international strategic ties and the global geopolitical climate going forward. The Summit confirmed increased US military presence in the region, as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth once again labeled China as the main aggressor in the region. On the EU side, Macron’s campaigning for a larger EU involvement in the Indo – Pacific are currently unrealistic since the Union faces paramount risks, threats and issues which need to be addressed on a continental level and its global outreach of influence is severely limited. Ultimately the Summit further stressed the need for a more cohesive approach towards combating regional and global threats and once again highlighted strategic red lines, principles and methodologies between the Global West and East.