{"id":920,"date":"2026-05-29T03:32:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T03:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asianewscast.com\/2026\/05\/29\/commentary-the-value-of-shangri-la-dialogue-in-a-world-increasingly-shaped-by-hard-power\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T03:32:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T03:32:10","slug":"commentary-the-value-of-shangri-la-dialogue-in-a-world-increasingly-shaped-by-hard-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=920","title":{"rendered":"Commentary: The value of Shangri-La Dialogue in a world increasingly shaped by hard power"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--content\">\n<section data-title=\"Leaderboard  01 Article\" class=\"block block-ad-entity block-ad-displayleaderboard-01-article clearfix\">\n<div class=\"block-title\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-H8CIoWCqI8Q\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" 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<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"h1 h1--page-title\">\n      Commentary: The value of Shangri-La Dialogue in a world increasingly shaped by hard power<br \/>\n  <\/h1>\n<div class=\"content-detail__description\">\n<p>Asian perspectives on security issues will be in the spotlight as defence officials gather in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, says Kevin Chen from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--75-25\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--first\">\n<section data-title=\"Hero Emphasis\" class=\"block detail-hero-media block-mc-hero-emphasis block-hero-emphasis clearfix\">\n<figure data-title=\"Hero Emphasis\" class=\"figure block detail-hero-media block-mc-hero-emphasis block-hero-emphasis clearfix\" data-img-id=\"\">\n<p>      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--QKkWJorM--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/tdy\/image\/2023\/06\/06\/20230604_ili_shangri-la_dialogue_2023-7.jpg?itok=pTxWyDPr\" alt=\"Commentary: The value of Shangri-La Dialogue in a world increasingly shaped by hard power\" title=\"Commentary: The value of Shangri-La Dialogue in a world increasingly shaped by hard power\"><figcaption class=\"figure__caption\">\n      Defence officials will gather in Singapore for the annual Shangri-la Dialogue. (Photo: Ili Nadhirah Mansor\/Today)<br \/>\n    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Text to speech\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-text-to-speech clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"mc-text-to-speech-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"new-feature-wizard\">\n    <span class=\"new-feature-wizard__text\"><br \/>\n        New: You can now listen to articles.<br \/>\n        <span class=\"new-feature-wizard__close\"><\/p>\n<p>      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/profiles\/custom\/mediacorp\/themes\/mc_core_theme\/images\/close.svg\"><\/p>\n<p>        <\/span><br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-to-speech-caption\">\n       This audio is generated by an AI tool.\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--second\">\n<section data-title=\"Byline\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-author clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"author-card author-card--author-info-block\">\n<div class=\"author-card__figure\">\n            <a href=\"\/author\/kevin-chen\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--AWLOvBww--\/c_crop,h_1010,w_1010,x_0,y_57\/c_fill,g_faces:auto,h_140,w_140\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/07\/09\/kevin_chen.png?itok=dg54z_gV\"><br \/>\n<\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n<div class=\"author-card__content\">\n<div class=\"author-card__body\">\n<div class=\"author-card__author-name\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 h6--author-name\">\n<a class=\"h6__link\" href=\"\/author\/kevin-chen\"><br \/>\n      Kevin Chen<br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Content share and bookmark\" class=\"block block-mc-content-share-bookmark block-content-share-bookmark clearfix\">\n<div data-title=\"Content share and bookmark\" class=\"mobile_author_card block block-mc-content-share-bookmark block-content-share-bookmark clearfix\">\n<div class=\"mobile_author_card__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"mobile_author_card__image mobile_author_card__image--\">\n<a class=\"link\" href=\"\/author\/kevin-chen\"><\/p>\n<p>      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--awnEP2fm--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/07\/09\/kevin_chen.png?h=950c41d3&amp;itok=KuPgddDW\" alt=\"Kevin Chen\" title=\"Kevin Chen\"><\/p>\n<p>                <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"mobile_author_card__name\">\n<a class=\"link link--author-profile\" href=\"\/author\/kevin-chen\"><br \/>\n      Kevin Chen<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-publish article-publish--\">\n        29 May 2026 06:00AM\n      <\/div>\n<div class=\"js-popup-content with-authors\">\n<div class=\"bookmark-share\">\n<div 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Give it a try.<br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__close-button\" role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-button__tooltip-fast-back-button\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip hidden\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__body\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__label\">\n              <span class=\"fast-tooltip__non-touch\"> Click here to return to FAST <\/span><br \/>\n        <span class=\"fast-tooltip__touch\"> Tap here to return to FAST <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__close-button\" role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <a title=\"FAST\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/fast\/6146341\" class=\"fast-button\"><br \/>\n               FAST <\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Content\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-content clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p>SINGAPORE: This weekend, defence officials from around the world will gather in Singapore for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/world\/cna-explains-shangri-la-dialogue-singapore-asia-defence-security-united-states-china-4368126\">annual Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD)<\/a>, at a time when global affairs appear increasingly governed by raw power and direct bargaining.<\/p>\n<p>Within the first few months of 2026, we have already seen a daring raid in Venezuela and a war in the Middle East. Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump went to Beijing for what he called\u00a0a \u201cG2\u201d summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping,\u00a0reinforcing perceptions that consequential decisions are negotiated between major powers. Broader multilateral forums with smaller states can risk appearing secondary.<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller said in January that the \u201creal world\u201d is governed by \u201cstrength\u2026 force\u2026 [and] power,\u201d dismissing international law and associated rules as \u201cinternational niceties\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Yet, trying to enforce order in a rule-less vacuum is a challenge, even for superpowers. The presence of rules and norms makes it easier for countries to pursue their interests by creating a common baseline for conduct.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"in-article-games trimmed-content\">\n<div class=\"game-list-header\">CNA Games<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-list\">\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/guess-word\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Guess Word\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--9rksCQgs--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_wordrow_-_light_mode.png?itok=y_y6Lkrj\" alt=\"Guess Word\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Guess Word<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Crack the word, one row at a time<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/buzzword\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Buzzword\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--rNELTwDG--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_buzzword_-_light_mode.png?itok=gjNCaVEc\" alt=\"Buzzword\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Buzzword<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Create words using the given letters<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/mini-sudoku\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Mini Sudoku\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--cDNZgbXf--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_mini_sudoku_-_light_mode.png?itok=XJMtZA-S\" alt=\"Mini Sudoku\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Mini Sudoku<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/mini-crossword\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Mini Crossword\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--vQydxQJa--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_mini_crossword_-_light_mode.png?itok=xnGbWUBS\" alt=\"Mini Crossword\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Mini Crossword<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Small grid, big challenge<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/word-search\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Word Search\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--lVhq9IJO--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_word_search_-_light_mode.png?itok=J7DBf8e2\" alt=\"Word Search\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Word Search<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Spot as many words as you can<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"in-article-games__full-story-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"in-article-games__full-story-button-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"in-article-games__full-story-button\" href=\";\"><br \/>\n      Show More<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"in-article-games__full-story-button-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"in-article-games__full-story-less-button\" href=\";\"><br \/>\n      Show Less<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"social-media\">\n<div>\n<article>\n<div>\n<div class=\"video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p>The US Navy, for example, has been a strong proponent of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a basis for freedom of navigation and other practices, even though the US is not a signatory.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, for\u00a0rules to be written and norms\u00a0to\u00a0endure requires persuasion, not coercion.\u00a0In this light, the SLD\u2019s role in facilitating conversations about Asian security issues with broader regional consultation is both timely and important.<\/p>\n<h2><span lang=\"EN-SG\">VALUE OF THE SHANGRI-LA DIALOGUE<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">The SLD is an example of a \u201ctrack 1.5\u201d dialogue that involves participation from both defence officials and leading academics. It provides opportunities for them to converse and build trust between each other, and this matters in at least two ways for Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">First, regional leadership is often in the spotlight. While observers are still interested in whether the American and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/asia\/shangri-la-dialogue-sld-2026-china-defence-chief-dong-jun-6142026\"><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Chinese defence ministers show up<\/span><\/a><span lang=\"EN-SG\">, the SLD is a useful platform for Asian leaders to explain their views and receive constructive feedback.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">In 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr spoke at length about his country\u2019s stance on not just maritime security, but issues such as nuclear disarmament and climate change as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">This year, Vietnamese President\u00a0To Lam will be delivering the keynote address. While his specific focus remains to be seen, he is the first Vietnamese leader to open the dialogue and will offer his country\u2019s view on pertinent security issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"referenced-card\">\n<h4 class=\"h4 h4--related-block\">\n<div>Related:<\/div>\n<\/h4>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"media-object\">\n<div class=\"media-object__figure\">\n  <a class=\"link\" href=\"\/commentary\/us-iran-war-strait-hormuz-safe-passage-toll-6109631\"><br \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--_nJAAzHO--\/c_crop,h_562,w_1000,x_0,y_0\/c_fill,g_auto,h_98,w_175\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_one-cms:core:watermark:ap_data-1,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/one-cms\/core\/Iran_War_Strait_of_Hormuz_48685.jpg?itok=5CPwaYe5\"><br \/>\n                <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"media-object__content\">\n<div class=\"media-object__body\">\n<div class=\"list-object\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 list-object__heading\">\n<a class=\"h6__link list-object__heading-link\" href=\"\/commentary\/us-iran-war-strait-hormuz-safe-passage-toll-6109631\"><br \/>\n      <span>Commentary: Even the world\u2019s most powerful navy cannot simply restore safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz<\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"media-object\">\n<div class=\"media-object__figure\">\n  <a class=\"link\" href=\"\/commentary\/trump-xi-summit-deals-g2-us-china-equals-6127961\"><br \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--lDK7YbB7--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_98,w_175\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2024-04:reuters_1,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/one-cms\/core\/2026-05-14T024423Z_1_LYNXMPEM4D04J_RTROPTP_3_CHINA-USA.JPG?itok=0yzM5uU_\"><br \/>\n                <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"media-object__content\">\n<div class=\"media-object__body\">\n<div class=\"list-object\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 list-object__heading\">\n<a class=\"h6__link list-object__heading-link\" href=\"\/commentary\/trump-xi-summit-deals-g2-us-china-equals-6127961\"><br \/>\n      <span>Commentary: Few deals from Trump-Xi summit, but it\u2019s the underlying shift that matters<\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Second, the SLD allows for candid exchanges at all levels. This is not a minor accomplishment. Officials from small states can meet with foreign counterparts between sessions, or even over meals to discuss sensitive issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Taken together, these can create the conditions to lay out new rules and norms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span lang=\"EN-SG\">RULES AND NORMS STILL MATTER<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Granted, rules and norms will not directly prevent a determined power from using force to achieve their goals. Nor do they grant small states the power to shape the global security environment alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Rather, these structures give small states a fighting chance to pursue their interests and ensure their survival.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">In Singapore\u2019s case, proactive support for UNCLOS not only defends the country\u2019s interests such as keeping trade routes open but also enhances its relevance on the world stage. Notably, a new &#8220;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/asia\/un-high-seas-treaty-environment-international-waters-5865241\"><span lang=\"EN-SG\">high seas treaty&#8221;<\/span><\/a><span lang=\"EN-SG\"> on managing biological diversity under UNCLOS was concluded in 2023 under the stewardship of Singapore\u2019s Ambassador for the Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues, Mrs Rena Lee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">This shows how smaller states can still shape international governance on problems that no country can tackle alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<section class=\"block block- block--view-mode-default clearfix\">\n<figure class=\"figure block block- block--view-mode-default clearfix\" data-img-id=\"\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--1hWB7Dhb--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2024-04:reuters_1,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/one-cms\/core\/2025-06-01t072431z_1_lynxnpel500f4_rtroptp_3_asia-security.jpg?itok=nNxC1JFK\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"figure__caption\">\n      US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Singapore&#8217;s Minister of Defence Chan Chun Sing and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas attend a ministerial lunch on the sidelines of IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, May 31, 2025. (Reuters\/Edgar Su)<br \/>\n    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">International rules and norms also encourage like-minded states to form broad networks to push back against challenges. The Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), for example, was established by Singapore and 13 other countries to support open and fair trade in the aftermath of trade disruptions from larger powers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Crucially, international rules and norms give small states the option to not choose sides. In a rule-less world where \u201cmight makes right,\u201d small states would be pressured to side with the dominant or rising power to ensure their own security.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">For many Southeast Asia states, strategic neutrality and working with willing partners are central to national <\/span><span>security and prosperity. Being forced to choose sides would be counter to these interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span lang=\"EN-SG\">DEEPER PARTNERSHIPS<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Talk alone is insufficient for creating global stability. Practical solutions to security issues are required. In this respect, the SLD is an opportunity for countries to lay the foundation for issue-based partnerships through exchanges of expertise and innovation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"referenced-card\">\n<h4 class=\"h4 h4--related-block\">\n<div>Related:<\/div>\n<\/h4>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"media-object\">\n<div class=\"media-object__figure\">\n  <a class=\"link\" href=\"\/commentary\/us-china-india-japan-australia-quad-summit-6121231\"><br \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--SsWs0YE_--\/c_crop,h_449,w_799,x_1,y_42\/c_fill,g_auto,h_98,w_175\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2024-04:reuters_1,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/one-cms\/core\/2026-04-14T150614Z_2_LYNXMPEM3D0Y2_RTROPTP_3_USA-INDIA.JPG?itok=y00K68ws\"><br \/>\n                <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"media-object__content\">\n<div class=\"media-object__body\">\n<div class=\"list-object\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 list-object__heading\">\n<a class=\"h6__link list-object__heading-link\" href=\"\/commentary\/us-china-india-japan-australia-quad-summit-6121231\"><br \/>\n      <span>Commentary: Trump\u2019s disinterest not the only reason the Quad is in limbo<\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"media-object\">\n<div class=\"media-object__figure\">\n  <a class=\"link\" href=\"\/commentary\/cables-cut-baltic-sea-asia-pacific-hybrid-war-4795711\"><\/p>\n<article>\n<div>  <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--b-fd_6QH--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_98,w_175\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/one-cms\/images\/2021-06\/commentary.png?itok=JCeX0TKq\" alt=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p>                <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"media-object__content\">\n<div class=\"media-object__body\">\n<div class=\"list-object\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 list-object__heading\">\n<a class=\"h6__link list-object__heading-link\" href=\"\/commentary\/cables-cut-baltic-sea-asia-pacific-hybrid-war-4795711\"><br \/>\n      <span>Commentary: Undersea cable sabotage \u2013 and the threat of cutting off your internet in times of war<\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) is one such challenge. In October 2025, Southeast Asian leaders developed a concept paper on the security of undersea communication cables, energy cables and fuel pipelines. But the physical vulnerability of these structures emphasises the need to accelerate its implementation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">The SLD can not only facilitate deeper partnerships between Southeast Asian governments that are closer to home, but\u00a0also spur new partnerships with Baltic states that have more experience in CUI issues specifically.\u00a0More broadly, Singapore can also draw on longstanding, mutually beneficial relationships with key partners such as the US, China\u00a0and others to confront shared security challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Power and capabilities still matter deeply when it comes to ensuring a state\u2019s security. But for small states such as Singapore, rules and norms in the international system are their first line of defence. And the SLD is just the kind of platform to uphold them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Kevin Chen is an Associate Research Fellow with the US Programme at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Source\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-source clearfix\">\n<div class=\"source__block\">\n<div class=\"source source--with-label\">\n    Source: CNA\/zw(ch)\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Categories\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-category clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"newslettercategory hidden\">\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"newslettercategory hidden\">\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region 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