SINGAPORE – May 29, 2025: The prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 returns to Singapore from May 30 to June 1, with 47 countries participating—marking one of the most diverse turnouts in the forum’s history. Held annually at the Shangri-La Hotel, this defence summit is Asia’s top platform for high-level discussions on regional and global security.
Expanded Global Participation
The 2025 edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) will feature:
- 40 minister-level delegates
- 20 chiefs of defence forces
- Over 20 senior defence officials
This year sees broader participation than the 2024 forum, which hosted 45 countries. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (Mindef), this reflects growing interest in Asia-Pacific defence affairs and the dialogue’s credibility as a neutral, open platform since its inception in 2002.
Key Speakers at Shangri-La Dialogue 2025
Emmanuel Macron (France)
- Keynote Address: Evening of May 30
- First European leader to deliver the keynote
- Marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and France
Anwar Ibrahim (Malaysia)
- Special Address: Afternoon of May 31
Pete Hegseth (United States)
- First Plenary Speaker: May 31
- US Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump
- Session Topic: “United States’ New Ambitions for Indo-Pacific Security”
Chan Chun Sing (Singapore)
- Seventh Plenary Speaker: June 1
- Topic: “Enhancing Security Cooperation for a Stable Asia-Pacific”
Mr. Chan will also:
- Host ministerial roundtables on May 31 and June 1
- Lead discussions under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)
- Conduct bilateral meetings with other defence leaders
China’s Reduced Presence This Year
For the first time since 2019, China will not be represented by its defence minister. Instead, a People’s Liberation Army National Defence University delegation will attend.
This development follows last year’s significant bilateral talks between former US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, which will not take place this year.
As of now, Mindef has not disclosed the leader of China’s 2025 delegation.
Presidential Hosting and Diplomatic Engagements
On May 31, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will host a formal dinner at the St Regis Singapore for attending delegates—highlighting the city-state’s ongoing role as a convener for international peace and cooperation.
Event Overview and Sessions
The 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue will feature:
- 7 plenary sessions
- 3 special sessions
- Multilateral and bilateral defence meetings
- Roundtable discussions hosted by Singapore’s defence leadership
Organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the event provides unique insights into current security dynamics across Asia and beyond.
Stay tuned for the full speaker lineup to be announced by IISS on the official Shangri-La Dialogue website.
Why the Shangri-La Dialogue Matters
The Shangri-La Dialogue has become a critical diplomatic arena for defence and strategic dialogue, especially between superpowers like China and the US. Topics such as the South China Sea, Taiwan, and regional military cooperation are frequently addressed.
It also allows smaller and medium powers to share perspectives, foster regional defence partnerships, and promote a rules-based international order.
Summary of Key Dates and Highlights
| Date | Event/Session |
| May 30 | Opening & Keynote Speech by Emmanuel Macron |
| May 31 | Plenary Sessions Begin, Speech by US Defence Secretary |
| May 31 | Dinner hosted by President Tharman at St Regis |
| June 1 | Final Sessions, Speech by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing |
Final Thoughts
As the world watches closely, Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 will shape key narratives around Indo-Pacific security, defence diplomacy, and international cooperation. Singapore once again plays a pivotal role as a neutral host bringing global players together in pursuit of peace and stability.
