Chris Penk to Attend Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore Amid Indo-Pacific Security Challenges

Ahead of his departure, Mr Penk highlighted the importance of face-to-face diplomacy and defence engagement at a time of growing global uncertainty and heightened strategic competition.

New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk will travel to Singapore this week to participate in the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue, one of the world's leading international security forums focused on strategic and defence issues in the Indo-Pacific region.

The annual summit, organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), brings together defence ministers, military leaders, policymakers, and security experts from across the globe to discuss emerging geopolitical challenges, regional stability, and defence cooperation.

Ahead of his departure, Mr Penk highlighted the importance of face-to-face diplomacy and defence engagement at a time of growing global uncertainty and heightened strategic competition.

"In an increasingly volatile world, there is no better way to share perspectives, find common ground, and solve pressing regional security challenges than through robust, in-person defence dialogue and diplomacy," Mr Penk said.

Focus on Indo-Pacific Security and Geostrategic Competition

During the conference, Mr Penk is expected to meet with several international defence counterparts and participate in discussions centred on evolving geostrategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

He will also speak at a dedicated session examining shifting strategic challenges in the region, where issues such as regional security architecture, military interoperability, maritime stability, economic resilience, and great power competition are likely to feature prominently.

"As global focus on the Indo-Pacific region sharpens, I look forward to discussing how we can enhance collective efforts to uphold security, stability and prosperity," Mr Penk said.

The Indo-Pacific has become an increasingly important theatre for global strategic competition, with countries across the region seeking stronger partnerships to address complex security concerns ranging from territorial disputes and military modernisation to cyber threats and transnational crime.

Strengthening New Zealand's Defence Partnerships

Mr Penk reaffirmed the New Zealand Government's commitment to strengthening the capability and international interoperability of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

"The Government is committed to building a New Zealand Defence Force that is combat capable and interoperable with our partners," he stated.

He noted that New Zealand already works closely with international allies and regional partners through joint military exercises, operational deployments, training initiatives, and personnel exchanges.

"Today we regularly train, exercise and conduct operations together, sharing expertise, experience, and personnel. But we can and must do more," Mr Penk added.

The comments align with the Government's broader defence and foreign policy agenda, which places increased emphasis on defence readiness, regional partnerships, and collective security cooperation.

Shared Security Challenges in the Region

Mr Penk also stressed that New Zealand, as a small trade-dependent nation, relies heavily on regional stability and collaborative partnerships to safeguard its national interests.

"As a small trading nation, New Zealand knows we are stronger when we work in lockstep with our partners to uphold our shared interests and values," he said.

He pointed to a range of transnational challenges confronting Indo-Pacific nations, including organised crime, illegal fishing operations, narcotics trafficking, and climate-related disasters.

"Our collaborative strength in the Indo-Pacific is considerable, as we tackle the transnational security issues affecting us all, including drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and climate related disasters," Mr Penk said.

Climate security and humanitarian response are expected to remain major themes throughout the Shangri-La Dialogue, particularly for Pacific nations facing increasing environmental vulnerabilities.

Growing Importance of Regional Defence Diplomacy

New Zealand's participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue reflects its continued efforts to maintain strong defence and diplomatic engagement throughout the Indo-Pacific amid an increasingly uncertain strategic environment.

The conference has become a critical platform for countries to discuss regional flashpoints, strengthen defence relationships, and promote stability through dialogue and cooperation.

Mr Penk will depart New Zealand on 28 May and is scheduled to return on 1 June following the completion of the summit and bilateral meetings.