The US says ships and submarines trump summits. South-east Asia politely says ‘no’
The article details a tension at the Shangri-La Dialogue. While the US advocated for military spending and alliances, Timor-Leste's President countered that dialogue is key to peace. Southeast Asia prefers diplomacy and cooperation over an arms race or hardware focus.
Commentary
Delegates attending the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Zurairi A.R.
Published
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth advocated military hardware over dialogue at SLD, contrasting with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta's call for diplomacy.
- Hegseth's "model allies" ranking, based on defence spending, caused unease among South-east Asian nations prioritising domestic needs and neutrality.
- Regional leaders stressed the "ASEAN Way" for strategic stability and trust, advocating dialogue and cooperation to address South China Sea issues.
SINGAPORE – On a day dominated by talks of strategic stability and maritime security, Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta had a simple but sharp rejoinder to the idea that military hardware matters more than dialogue.
Delivering a special address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) on May 30, the Timor-Leste President pointed out that when nations race to raise their defence spending, they struggle to spend the same on factors that may actually prevent conflict.
source: The Straits Times https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/the-us-says-ships-and-submarines-trump-summits-south-east-asia-politely-says-no
