US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to Deliver Key Address at 2025 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has officially announced that United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will be a principal speaker at the 22nd edition of the prestigious IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s leading defense summit.

Scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 1, 2025, in Singapore, the summit offers a crucial platform for security leaders, defense ministers, military chiefs, and strategic thinkers from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond to convene and discuss the most pressing security challenges facing the region and the world.

Secretary Hegseth is slated to deliver his remarks on Saturday, May 31, at 8:35 a.m. Singapore Time (SGT). His address is expected to be one of the key highlights of the conference, given the United States’ prominent role in shaping the regional security architecture and the Indo-Pacific’s importance as a strategic theater.

The Shangri-La Dialogue regularly serves as a barometer of geopolitical tensions and cooperative efforts in one of the world’s most dynamic and contested regions.

The annual summit, held at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, has grown over the years to become the premier forum for frank discussions on defense, military modernization, alliance-building, and emerging threats.

The 2025 dialogue is anticipated to focus extensively on themes such as maritime security, deterrence against regional threats, cyber and space warfare, and the evolving balance of power driven by China’s rapid military expansion, North Korea’s persistent provocations, and the wider strategic shifts emanating from global conflicts.

Secretary Hegseth’s participation signals the United States’ unwavering commitment to its strategic partners and its leadership role in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.

His speech will provide an opportunity for the U.S. to articulate its defense priorities under the Trump administration’s second term and to reaffirm its dedication to multilateral cooperation and collective security.

The Shangri-La Dialogue also features a keynote address from the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, who will speak on the evening of Friday, May 30, at 8:00 p.m.

SGT. President Macron’s presence underscores the increasing engagement of European powers in Indo-Pacific security affairs, reflecting the global dimension of the challenges faced by the region.

This is part of a broader trend of transatlantic collaboration on issues of mutual concern, such as freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and emerging military technologies.

The conference is expected to attract a broad cross-section of defense officials, including ministers and senior military leaders from over 40 countries, as well as security experts, diplomats, and representatives from defense industries.

These participants will engage in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and informal bilateral talks aimed at fostering dialogue, building trust, and exploring joint solutions to complex security dilemmas.

One of the central topics at the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue will be the ongoing military modernization and assertive actions of China, especially in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and around contested maritime boundaries.

Secretary Hegseth’s address is anticipated to emphasize the U.S. commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and ensuring freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes.

The U.S. approach will likely stress deterrence through strong alliances and partnerships with regional countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and members of ASEAN.

In addition to addressing traditional military threats, Secretary Hegseth may highlight the increasing role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, cyber capabilities, and space-based systems in shaping future conflicts.

The U.S. Department of Defense has been investing heavily in these areas to maintain technological superiority, and the Shangri-La Dialogue offers a forum to discuss cooperation and concerns related to these developments.

The Indo-Pacific region is widely regarded as the most critical security arena globally, given its vast economic importance, strategic chokepoints, and the presence of major military powers.

The Shangri-La Dialogue provides a unique opportunity for participants to assess the trajectory of regional security and to coordinate responses to shared challenges, including nuclear proliferation, terrorism, maritime disputes, and humanitarian crises.

Secretary Hegseth’s address will also be closely watched for indications of the United States’ future defense posture in Asia-Pacific. Observers will look for signals regarding force deployments, military exercises, capacity-building programs with allies, and initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security architectures.

The U.S. role as a balancing power is central to many countries’ security calculations, and the Department of Defense’s strategic messaging plays a pivotal role in reassuring partners and deterring potential aggressors.

Beyond the formal speeches, the Shangri-La Dialogue facilitates numerous side meetings and informal engagements. Secretary Hegseth is expected to use these opportunities to engage bilaterally with defense ministers and military leaders from key partner nations.

These interactions help deepen cooperation, address bilateral concerns, and foster personal relationships essential for effective alliance management.

The presence of President Macron alongside Secretary Hegseth underscores the convergence of Western and Asian security interests.

European powers, increasingly attentive to the Indo-Pacific’s significance, have sought to deepen ties with regional partners through initiatives such as the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and France’s naval deployments in the Indian Ocean. 

The dialogue serves as a platform for Europe and the U.S. to align their approaches and coordinate policies in the face of common challenges.

Industry stakeholders and defense contractors also participate in the Shangri-La Dialogue, showcasing innovations and discussing procurement opportunities with governments.

Secretary Hegseth’s leadership in promoting technological advancement and defense modernization will resonate within these discussions, highlighting the U.S. commitment to innovation and collaboration with allies.

The security environment in Asia-Pacific has grown more complex in recent years. China’s growing military capabilities, particularly in naval power and missile technology, have raised concerns among regional nations about sovereignty and security.

North Korea’s ongoing missile tests and nuclear program continue to threaten stability. Additionally, new domains such as cyberspace and outer space are increasingly contested, requiring coordinated defense strategies.

Secretary Hegseth’s speech will likely address these multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the need for unity, preparedness, and strategic foresight. The U.S. policy of supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific remains a cornerstone of its regional engagement.

The 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue represents a pivotal moment for the U.S. and its allies to recalibrate strategies and reinforce commitments. Secretary Hegseth’s participation signals a renewed focus on Asia-Pacific security and a reaffirmation of the United States’ enduring presence and leadership.

In summary, the upcoming address by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore is poised to be a defining moment in the ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Against a backdrop of growing challenges and shifting power dynamics, Secretary Hegseth’s remarks will convey the United States’ strategic priorities, reaffirm its alliances, and outline its vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Asia-Pacific.

The summit, featuring prominent figures including French President Emmanuel Macron, will foster vital dialogue and cooperation, shaping the future trajectory of regional and global security for years to come.