The Shangri-La Dialogue is making clear how, even with bumped up defense spending and expanding bilateral ties, it will be difficult for regional players to counterbalance Beijing's rise without the U.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth struck a measured tone towards China at a major defence forum on Saturday, noting "rightful alarm" over Beijing's military build-up but saying Washington sought a "stable equilibrium" in Asia.

Nations facing chronic water shortages might look to Chinese investment to upgrade their creaking Soviet-era infrastructure, observers say

Hegseth said that China cannot impose its hegemony on U.S. partners and allies in the region.

By Raju Gopalakrishnan SINGAPORE, May 29 (Reuters) - China's decision to send only academics to Asia's biggest defence forum is a missed opportunity at a moment when countries need more "strategic reassurance" from Beijing,

BEIJING: China will leverage the upcoming China-South Asia Expo as a platform to help businesses on both sides expand trade and investment in established sectors and emerging industries, accelerating regional integration and fostering inclusive growth,

JP Morgan’s Lim Soo Chong says Asia’s credit fundamentals holding well despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. He notes that supportive sovereign ratings and demand for Asian capital continue to underpin the region’s resilience.

China's military modernization and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific are key topics at Asia's top defense summit.