Episode Details

Officials and experts gathered in Singapore at the end of May for one of Asia's most influential security forums. This year's Shangri-La Dialogue unfolded against a backdrop of growing uncertainty. As crises in Europe and the Middle East continue to demand US strategic attention and resources, governments across the Indo-Pacific are increasingly questioning Washington's long-term commitment to the region. NHK spoke with a former senior US official, a Chinese expert and a former Singaporean diplomat who attended the forum. Some of their views differed sharply, but all three agreed on one point: the future of regional security will depend not only on military deterrence, but on whether major powers can manage intensifying competition without allowing it to escalate into confrontation.