American allies warn division weakens deterrence in calls for global unity to meet new threats

American allies urged stronger global unity at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, arguing that division weakens deterrence against emerging threats. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stressed the need for cooperation between the U.S., Europe, and allies, warning that gaps among them would be exploited by adversaries. He highlighted Japan’s recent defense policy changes, including lifting a ban on lethal weapons exports, which China condemned as a step toward militarism. Koizumi dismissed China’s accusations as ironic, noting Japan lacks nuclear weapons or strategic bombers while criticizing China’s absence at the conference. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier criticized Western European allies for underfunding defense, praising Asian partners for increased spending instead. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles agreed that the rules-based order must be backed by military strength but emphasized its importance for smaller nations. Netherlands Defense Minister Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius warned that modern conflicts, like the war in Europe, involve global actors, proving security is interconnected. The discussions underscored the need for collective responses to regional and global threats, with allies stressing that fragmentation risks leaving middle powers vulnerable.