Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing wraps up conference | Full interview

Key Concepts

• Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD): A premier defense summit serving as a platform for networking, dialogue, and building mutual understanding among international defense officials.
• Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI): Vital networks (cables and pipelines) carrying energy and data, essential for global connectivity and national security.
• Defense Capability vs. Expenditure: The argument that there is no linear correlation between defense spending and actual capability; effectiveness depends on innovation, human capital, and consistent long-term investment.
• "Feast and Famine" Strategy: An inefficient approach to defense spending where resources are only allocated during crises rather than consistently over time.
• Strategic Reassurance: The necessity for powerful nations to communicate intentions clearly to prevent suspicion and miscalculation.
• Asymmetric/Non-conventional Threats: Modern security challenges including cyber warfare, information warfare, and threats to undersea infrastructure.

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1. The Value and Function of the Shangri-La Dialogue

The speaker characterizes the SLD as a "hub airport" for international relations. Its success is measured not by the presence of specific "airlines" (nations), but by the density and quality of connections made between participants.

Key Outcomes for Participants:

• Deep Understanding: Moving beyond observing what countries do to understanding why they do it, which is essential for preventing miscalculation.
• Identifying Blind Spots: Ministerial roundtables allow countries to compare strategies for non-conventional threats, such as cyber warfare and protecting undersea cables.
• Conflict Management: Providing a "behind closed doors" space to manage or resolve bilateral issues. The speaker notes that in defense, "no news is good news," as the goal is to preempt issues before they escalate.
• Tangible Initiatives: The development of the "Guide" initiative for protecting critical underwater infrastructure, which evolved from conversations held at the previous year's dialogue.

2. Defense Spending and Capability

A central argument presented is that defense is a "whole-of-society" and long-term endeavor.

• Non-Linear Correlation: The speaker emphasizes that spending more does not automatically equate to higher capability. "Bang for the buck" is achieved through innovation and the efficient use of resources.
• Human Capital: Building real capability requires years of training (pilots, sailors, scientists) and cannot be rushed.
• Consistency: The speaker warns against "feast and famine" spending, advocating for steady, long-term investment to maintain readiness.

3. Addressing Regional and Global Challenges

• ASEAN: The speaker urges ASEAN nations to avoid complacency. While the region is currently more stable than others, it must prepare for both current and future threats by establishing robust frameworks and building trust.
• Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI): The speaker highlights the vulnerability of the global system. If undersea cables or energy pipelines are disrupted, nations face severe risks to their digital connectivity and essential supplies. The goal of the current international initiative is to establish mechanisms for monitoring, deterring, and responding to threats against these networks.

4. Diplomatic Philosophy and Communication

The speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing Action and Communication:

• "Words without action" lead to cynicism.
• "Action without communication" destroys trust.
• "Action + Communication" makes the impossible possible.

Notable Quotes:

• "The art of defense is to be able to preempt issues before they are formed."
• "Circumstances don't define us. Our responses to circumstances define us."
• "The more powerful we are, the more effort we need to spend to reassure others."

5. Perspective on Chinese Participation

The speaker explicitly rejects the term "low-level Chinese participation." He argues that all levels of participation—whether ministerial, permanent secretary, or academic—are treated with respect. He emphasizes that China’s level of participation is a matter of their own internal considerations and that their presence is felt and valued within the SLD’s "DNA."

Synthesis and Conclusion

The Shangri-La Dialogue serves as a critical mechanism for maintaining global stability by fostering frank, open communication. The main takeaway is that defense is not merely about the accumulation of military hardware; it is about the strategic, long-term development of human capital, the consistent application of resources, and the constant, proactive effort to reassure partners of one's intentions. By combining transparent communication with tangible, collaborative actions—such as the protection of critical underwater infrastructure—nations can minimize the risks of miscalculation and build a more secure international environment.