Beyond Washington, Indo-Pacific powers forge stronger defence networks

Indo-Pacific countries are expanding defence cooperation with one another as they confront China’s military build-up and fresh uncertainty over the durability of US attention to the region.

At Asia’s leading security forum on Saturday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allies to take on a larger share of the security burden, even as regional officials discussed how to work more closely together beyond the long-standing American security umbrella.

The dialogue unfolded against a backdrop of concern that Washington’s focus could be divided by other crises, including conflict in Iran.

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A firmer handshake across the seas

Hegseth sought to reassure partners, saying, “We can do two things at one time.”

But several Asian officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue also made clear that their governments are preparing for a more networked regional security model.

Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told that defence chiefs at the forum were aligned on the need for “agile and speedy upscaling” of their own capabilities, while describing such efforts as reinforcing the US role rather than replacing it.

He said Manila was deepening ties with Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and added that the US commitment becomes stronger when more actors join deterrence efforts in response to a shared threat.

Tokyo steps smartly into the frame

Japan is positioning itself as a central node in that broader partnership web.

Japan’s defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, said Tokyo aims to serve as a “connecting point” for closer regional cooperation beyond China. He also said Japan would be “even more proactive in defence equipment cooperation” and that the country’s aim was to ensure partners have the capabilities they need when they need them.

Japan in April unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, removing restrictions that had limited overseas sales of warships, missiles and other weapons.

Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing called for “flexible partnerships” among “like-minded countries,” saying such coalitions could help bridge gaps and test ideas in new terrain.

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The wider company falls into line

Other countries at the forum also pointed to a broader regional shift.

Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, said Canadian forces were increasing their presence in the Indo-Pacific and cooperating with Japan and the Philippines on cybersecurity and maritime exercises. New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk said Wellington was considering Japanese and British vessels to replace its ageing ANZAC-class frigates, and said there was scope for the Five-Powered Defence Arrangement to operate “at a more intense level.”

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles described ties with Washington as “absolutely fundamental” to Australia’s national security. Even so, several officials said their confidence in the US remained intact despite concerns about Iran and President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach.