Australia, New Zealand Defence Ministers Engage U.S., Japan, Global Peers in Singapore Security Forum

Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles is set to engage in crucial talks with U.S. and Japanese counterparts at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, focusing on expanding joint military drills and reviewing the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership amid regional security concerns and submarine production delays. New Zealand's Defence and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins will also attend the Shangri-La Dialogue and other defense and technology events, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face diplomacy in strengthening international relationships and addressing challenges related to cyber, undersea, and outer-space defense. Collins plans to participate in a panel on these defense challenges and engage with counterparts globally, highlighting New Zealand's commitment to technological innovation and international cooperation. Additionally, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met with Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the GCC-ASEAN summit to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments. These high-level interactions underline the growing emphasis on defense collaboration and digital government initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region amidst increasing international tensions.