RSIS 7th Trilateral Exchange 2026

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) convened its 7th Trilateral Exchange in Singapore from 26 to 27 August 2026 at Pan Pacific Singapore. The annual dialogue brought together more than 40 senior defence officials, academics and industry experts from Singapore, the United States and China to discuss the evolving US–China relationship and its implications for Southeast Asia and beyond (MINDEF, 27 August 2026, accessed 27 August 2026). The event was a dialogue platform, not a treaty negotiation or a new defence alliance.

Issues discussed

The exchange examined how the United States and China might manage competition and maintain a more durable relationship without allowing tensions to escalate. Discussions covered whether continued dialogue could reduce the risk of miscalculation and whether the two powers could find a modus vivendi or middle ground in their technology competition (MINDEF, 27 August 2026, accessed 27 August 2026). The Ministry of Defence described these as subjects for frank and constructive discussion; the release does not report a negotiated consensus or binding policy outcome.

Singapore's role and limits of the event

MINDEF described the Trilateral Exchange as a trusted platform where frank discussions on complex issues can take place and said that exchanges may subsequently inform official engagements and broader policy discussions. Deputy Secretary (Policy) Brigadier General Frederick Choo also noted that a dialogue does not need to produce consensus to be worthwhile because it can help participants understand one another's positions, assumptions, constraints and priorities (MINDEF, 27 August 2026, accessed 27 August 2026). Accordingly, the event should not be read as proof that Singapore, the US and China adopted a joint position or that it changed Singapore's defence commitments.