The Shangri-La Dialogue, typically defined by U.S.-China tensions, saw a shift in focus this year as divisions emerged between the United States and European allies over their strategic roles in Asia. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that European nations should prioritize defending their own continent, allowing the U.S. to concentrate on the Indo-Pacific. He criticized China’s minimal participation in the event and underlined Washington’s growing concerns about Beijing’s regional intentions.
India-Pakistan Tensions Highlight Asia’s Fragile Security Amid European Strategic Debate
India and Pakistan also made headlines with their full military delegations attending the summit, just weeks after intense border clashes. Despite the recent ceasefire, the two nations deliberately avoided interaction at the venue, underscoring persistent tensions. The visual display of military presence added a layer of symbolism to the conference, highlighting South Asia’s fragile security dynamics amid broader Indo-Pacific concerns.
Shangri-La Dialogue Exposes U.S.-Europe Rift Over Asia Strategy as India-Pakistan Tensions SimmerEuropean leaders, however, resisted Hegseth’s call to scale back engagement in Asia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas argued that European and Indo-Pacific security are closely tied, especially given China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine war. She and others insisted that Europe must maintain strategic involvement in both regions due to economic ties, global conflict dynamics, and the need to counter authoritarian threats on multiple fronts.
Macron Advocates European Strategic Independence Amid Growing Indo-Pacific Military Presence
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s status as an Indo-Pacific power due to its overseas territories and regional military presence. He promoted a “third path” approach, positioning Europe as a cooperative but independent player between U.S.-China rivalry. Macron emphasized collaboration with both superpowers while preserving regional stability, reflecting Europe’s desire for strategic autonomy in global affairs.
Despite debates over focus, Europe’s entrenched military and commercial ties in Asia remain robust. From long-term defense agreements like the Five-Power Defence Arrangement to European companies such as Saab and Airbus securing major defense contracts, Europe’s footprint in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow. Rising Asian defense budgets and historical alliances, like Britain’s commitments in Brunei and Australia, indicate that Europe’s strategic pivot away from Asia is unlikely in the near term.