Overview

• President Emmanuel Macron called for a “positive new alliance” between Europe and Asia during his keynote at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30.
• He presented the pact as an extension of Europe’s strategic autonomy, urging like-minded nations to act together rather than be caught in US-China competition.
• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to boost defence spending to meet NATO’s guideline of 5 percent of GDP.
• China signalled its displeasure by keeping its Defence Minister away from the forum, marking a notable diplomatic absence.
• President Donald Trump accused China of violating a recent agreement on tariffs and trade restrictions for critical minerals.