Defense Officials Discuss Spending, China, Ukraine Lessons at Singapore Forum

Defense spending increases were a central topic. Officials from Japan, the Philippines, and the Netherlands described plans to raise allocations. A U.S. official stated that countries should spend at least 3.5 percent of GDP on defense. New Zealand, which remains below that level, also announced higher outlays.

China sent a lower-level delegation for the second consecutive year. The group was led by a major general from the People's Liberation Army National Defence University. Several participants noted the absence of China's defense minister and expressed interest in future direct talks.

During sessions, Chinese delegates defended Beijing's positions on regional issues. Japanese and U.S. officials raised concerns about military transparency and regional tensions. The Philippine defense minister described China's actions as expansionist.

Participants also examined military developments in Ukraine.

A former Ukrainian foreign minister said countries are studying asymmetric tactics used by Ukrainian forces. Dutch and Philippine officials reported incorporating those observations into their own planning.