US Defense Chief Hegseth Meets PM Wong Ahead of Shangri-La Dialogue, Reaffirms Strong Singapore Ties
Singapore and the United States reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership on Friday, May 29, during a call between Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The meeting came as Mr Hegseth visited Singapore for the 23rd edition of the regional security summit, which brings together defence leaders from across Asia and beyond.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the call took place at the Istana and was attended by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo. During the discussion, Mr Wong and Mr Hegseth noted the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the United States and reaffirmed what MINDEF described as the “mutually beneficial and longstanding bilateral defence partnership” between the two countries.
The two sides also exchanged views on geopolitical developments and regional security concerns, and reiterated their shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. MINDEF said Mr Hegseth reaffirmed US support for the Singapore Armed Forces’ training in the United States, while Mr Wong highlighted Singapore’s longstanding support for the US military presence in the region.
Later on Friday, Mr Hegseth also met Mr Chan over lunch at the Shangri-La Hotel. MINDEF said the pair discussed global and regional security developments, as well as ways to further strengthen defence cooperation between Singapore and the United States.
During that meeting, Mr Chan expressed appreciation for continued US support for SAF training in the United States and for access to technology that supports Singapore’s defence capabilities. MINDEF said the visit by Mr Hegseth underscores the strength of bilateral defence ties and the importance both countries place on practical cooperation.
The Shangri-La Dialogue is one of Asia’s most important security forums, and the US defence chief’s presence in Singapore comes at a time of heightened attention on regional security, major power competition and the need for stability in the Indo-Pacific. Singapore and the United States have long maintained close defence relations, with regular military cooperation, training exchanges and strategic dialogue forming key pillars of the relationship.
Mr Hegseth’s visit and the discussions with Singapore leaders highlight the continuity of that partnership, as both countries mark six decades of diplomatic ties and signal their intention to deepen cooperation on security challenges facing the region.
