Shangri-La Dialogue helps countries reduce the chances of misunderstanding, miscalcuation: Chan Chun Sing

“I think it sets the tone for the relationship between the two countries, and I think from this Shangri-La Dialogue, it is quite obvious to all of us observing it, the officials from both sides are following the tone set, and I think this is a good basis for taking the relationship forward,” he said.

Noting there are still issues to be resolved, he added: “I think if we approach the challenges ahead with the right attitude, with the collaborative spirit, that speaks well for the chances of us getting to a better outcome than otherwise.”

He also addressed questions on defence spending, a point raised by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his speech on Saturday. 

Mr Hegseth had urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China’s growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, adding that the US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Mr Chan said on Sunday that whether it is increasing defence spending or building new capabilities and becoming a more relevant partner, countries must spend the time and effort to reassure others of their intentions.

“The more powerful we are, the more effort we need to spend to reassure others. Because ultimately in the defence sector, people look at not just capabilities, people look at intention,” he said.

He added that there was no linear correlation between expenditure and capability. 

“Different countries spend different amounts, different countries use their expenditure differently, wisely to build up capabilities according to their needs,” he added. 

Another topic brought up in the interview was about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to which Mr Chan said the bloc “must never be complacent” 

“ASEAN must be very clear in our perspective. Where are those challenges today, and where are those challenges tomorrow? We have to deal with not only today’s challenges, we have to deal with tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.