Best quotes from the 2026 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue: Defense spending, multilateralism and the future of the Asia-Pacific
Here are some of the most interesting quotes that CNBC has heard over the three days of the summit.
TL;DR
- Allies refusing to contribute to collective defense may face altered business practices.
- Nations must increase defense spending and deliver to have a voice at the table.
- The Philippines is focused on increasing defense spending and broadening alliances for resilience.
- The Asia-Pacific is an open space where all countries with legitimate interests can contribute to peace and stability.
- The U.S. insists that China respect its longstanding position in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Maintaining the global rules-based order is crucial, especially for middle powers like Australia.
- Current global security governance mechanisms are in urgent need of reform, with overrepresentation of developed countries.
- Some leaders expressed concerns about increasing global instability and the disregard for international norms.
- Japan's defense minister questioned the label of 'neo-militarism' given its lack of nuclear weapons compared to other nations.
- There is a growing recognition that no single country can handle all defense challenges alone, highlighting the importance of alliances and cooperation.