Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: The U.S. Position Signals Caution Toward China to Shape an Effective Diplomatic Track

On May 29–31, 2026, Singapore hosted the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, the Indo-Pacific’s most influential security summit, which this year brought together senior political and military representatives from 44 countries.

During the forum, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth outlined Washington’s updated foreign policy vision, which will shape the American approach to alliance-building and partnerships through 2029.

Under this framework, the United States will move away from subsidizing the security of partners that expect external assistance but are unwilling to invest in their own defense or share the security burden. Hegseth emphasized that the era of “wealthy dependents” is coming to an end, a reference directed primarily at European states.