At the Shangri‑La Dialogue in Singapore, defense chiefs from Japan, the United States, Australia and the Netherlands called for tighter cooperation to counter a widening array of security challenges. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi defended a new policy allowing lethal weapons exports,while US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rebuked European allies for lagging defence spending.

Japan lifts ban on lethal weapons exports

Koizumi annnounced that Japan is ending its post‑World‑War II prohibition on exporting lethal arms,a shift he framed as essential for collective security. He argued that Japan’s lack of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers makes the criticism of “new militarism” unfounded, and he urged partners to view the policy change as a contribution to deterrence rather than aggression. According to the report, China immediately condemned the move, accusing Tokyo of heading toward a “new type of militarism.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth slams European under‑funding

In his Saturday address, Hegseth praised Asian allies for boosting defence budgets but singled out European nations for “empty globalist rhetoric” that, in his view, leaves them under‑resourced. He warned that “rules without hard power to back them are worthless,” echoing a broader US concern that transatlantic defence spending gaps could embolden adversaries. The source notes that Hegseth’s criticism came amid ongoing debates in Europe over meeting NATO’s 2 percent spending target.

Australia’s Richard Marles ties rules‑based order to power

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles echoed the US sentiment that a rules‑based international order must be underpinned by credible military strength. He stressed that smaller and middle‑power states rely on robust rules to preserve agency, and that abandoning those rules would erode global stability. Marles’ remarks, as reported, highlighted the need for a “collective response to collective challenges,” positioning Australia as a bridge between Asian and Western security frameworks.

Netherlands minister warns of multi‑front drone threats

Netherlands Defence Minister Dilan Yesilgoez‑Zegerius warned that modern conflicts are no longer confined to a single theatre, citing the war in Europe that now involves Iranian drones, North Korean soldiers and Chinese support. She argued that middle powers must cooperate or risk becoming mere spectators, and she called for “constant and courageous” defence of international rules. The source indicates her comments were aimed at galvanising a broader coalition of like‑minded nations.

Will Europe boost defence budgets?

The lingering question is whether European NATO members will accelerate spending to match US expectations... While Hegseth’s critique was clear, the report did not include any European official’s response, leaving the prospect of policy change uncertain. Observers will watch upcoming parliamentary debates in key countries for any shift toward the 2 percent target.