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The Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore witnessed a convergence of escalating geopolitical rivalries, shifting alliances, and diplomatic maneuvers as world leaders gathered for Asia’s premier defense summit.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a “new special relationship” between the European Union and Indo-Pacific nations, while U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued stern warnings about China’s military intentions.

The forum was also marked by India’s rare admission of losing fighter jets in a recent clash with Pakistan and France’s urgent appeal to China over North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war.

US Defense Secretary warns of China’s military ambitions

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dominated the first day session at the Shangri-La Dialogue with strong declarations about the threat posed by Beijing. In his first appearance at the forum, Hegseth made clear, “It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.”

. @SecDef “Any attempt by communist China to conquer Taiwan by force will result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world. There’s No reason to sugarcoat it.

The threat China poses is real and could be imminent.” pic.twitter.com/aVhjBPOrql

— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) May 31, 2025

Citing frequent military activities near Taiwan, aggressive moves in the South China Sea, and coercive behavior across Latin America and the Arctic, Hegseth warned that China’s threat was both “real” and “imminent.” He pressed regional allies to ramp up defense spending, comparing Asia’s current defense posture unfavorably with Europe’s.

“It doesn’t make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies in Asia spend less on defense in the face of an even more formidable threat.” He emphasized the U.S. commitment to the region despite growing protectionist sentiment at home: “America is proud to be back in the Indo-Pacific, and we’re here to stay.”

China’s top brass skips the summit

In a conspicuous move, China opted not to send Defense Minister Dong Jun to the forum, instead delegating Major General Hu Gangfeng of the People’s Liberation Army National Defense University to lead its delegation. Hu is participating in the maritime security session alongside panelists from Japan, Vietnam, Chile, and the United Kingdom.

Though no official reason was given for the absence of China’s top defense leadership, many observers saw it as a deliberate snub to avoid confrontation with U.S. officials and difficult questions about China’s regional behavior.

This marks the first time a Chinese defense minister has not attended the forum since 2019, aside from the pandemic years. “The forum’s purpose is to identify issues, not escalate them,” Hu said, downplaying the rising tensions.

China’s low-profile participation limits avenues for direct dialogue and sideline diplomacy at a time when backchannel communications could help de-escalate regional flashpoints.

Macron proposes EU-Indo-Pacific “Coalitions of Action”

French President Emmanuel Macron used his keynote speech to pivot attention toward Europe’s role in Indo-Pacific security, calling for a new form of international cooperation: “The time for non-alignment has undoubtedly passed, but the time for coalitions of action has come.”

Macron stressed that countries must unite to protect the international rules-based order and emphasized the need for strategic cooperation without falling into bloc-based Cold War-style thinking.

Attended the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) this evening, where French President @EmmanuelMacron delivered the keynote address. For over two decades, SG has been proud to host this important platform for open dialogue on defence and security. pic.twitter.com/dUC2oIQpBb

— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) May 30, 2025

While reaffirming France’s commitment to both the U.S. and China, Macron offered a nuanced position: “France is a friend and an ally of the United States, and is a friend, and we do cooperate, even if sometimes we disagree and compete with China.”

He also addressed growing European concerns over North Korea’s support for Russia in Ukraine and urged China to restrain Pyongyang’s military adventurism.

“If China doesn’t want NATO being involved in Southeast Asia or Asia, they should prevent the DPRK from being engaged on European soil,” the French President said.

Macron’s remarks signaled that a more assertive European response could be triggered if authoritarian regimes continue crossing geographic and strategic lines.

India admits loss of jets for the first time

In a rare and significant development, India’s Air Force confirmed the loss of its fighter jets during an aerial engagement with Pakistan. The incident, which reportedly took place along the Line of Control (LoC), represents one of the most serious air-to-air confrontations between the nuclear-armed neighbors in recent years.

India’s military confirmed for the first time that it lost an unspecified number of fighter jets in clashes with Pakistan in May.

Anil Chauhan, chief of defense staff of the Indian Armed Forces, spoke to Bloomberg TV on Saturday, while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in… pic.twitter.com/9y3GW6WJfn

— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) May 31, 2025

India’s acceptance of losing its fighter jets during the conflict with Pakistan marks a notable departure from its usual policy of downplaying such losses, possibly indicating a shift toward more transparent communication amid rising regional tensions.

The Indian Ministry of Defense offered no further comment on the nature of the clash, but military analysts are closely watching for potential escalation.

The revelation added a tense undertone to the Shangri-La Dialogue, reminding attendees that even as major powers focus on long-term competition in the Indo-Pacific, traditional rivalries, such as India-Pakistan, remain volatile and dangerous.

As leaders navigate a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape marked by overlapping threats, contested norms, and rising tensions, the need for open dialogue, strategic cooperation, and mutual restraint has never been more critical.

The events in Singapore serve as a clear reminder: in today’s interconnected world, regional conflicts can carry global consequences, and proactive engagement remains the best path to peace and stability.