Indo-Pacific defence ties are expanding as regional countries build new military partnerships beyond the US security umbrella amid China’s military rise.
Officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore said Japan, the Philippines, Canada and New Zealand were increasing cooperation on defence equipment, cybersecurity and maritime exercises.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged partners to carry more of the regional security burden. He also told the forum that Washington could manage competing priorities simultaneously.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told Reuters that regional defence chiefs agreed on the need to scale up their own capabilities. He said Manila was strengthening ties with Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Tokyo wanted to act as a “connecting point” for wider regional cooperation. Japan has also eased defence export rules to allow more overseas arms sales.
Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan said Canadian forces were expanding work with Japan and the Philippines. She cited cybersecurity, maritime exercises and training cooperation.
New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk said Wellington was considering Japanese and British vessels to replace its ageing ANZAC-class frigates. He also supported deeper activity under the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
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Asian and Pacific officials said US support remained central to regional security. Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles called ties with Washington “absolutely fundamental” to his country’s national security.
