Defense leaders from over 30 countries gathered in Singapore for the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue, a key forum for Indo-Pacific security discussions. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a high-level delegation, holding bilateral meetings with counterparts from Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. A major focus was strengthening trilateral and multilateral cooperation, including expected announcements on AUKUS and coordination among Five Power Defense Arrangement (FPDA) nations. Notably, China once again downgraded its participation, sending only mid-level military educators instead of its defense minister.

Across the region, naval activity intensified. The U.S. Navy’s USS George Washington began its spring patrol after carrier qualifications near Japan, while the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group remained in Singapore. The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning operated in the Philippine Sea with its strike group, and a 10-ship Russian convoy transited into the Indian Ocean. Japan, Indonesia, France, and the Netherlands also conducted joint exercises or patrols, underscoring growing allied coordination.

Tensions flared near contested waters when China accused the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter of airspace intrusion over the Paracel Islands. The ship, on its way to RIMPAC 2026, is also monitoring North Korea sanctions compliance. Meanwhile, U.S. and Philippine Marines concluded MAREX26, and Australian, U.S., and Japanese forces launched Southern Jackaroo 2026, focusing on combined arms integration. These movements reflect a broader strategic competition, with military presence and readiness serving as both deterrence and diplomatic signaling.