In this special edition of Japan Memo Season 5, Robert Ward reports from Singapore on the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.

Joining him is Professor Jimbo Ken, Managing Director of the International House of Japan, President of the Asia Pacific Initiative, and Professor at Keio University’s Faculty of Policy Management. They deliver timely and in-depth analysis of this year’s key developments and strategic narratives.

Robert and Professor Jimbo discuss:

· Major themes and takeaways from the 2025 Dialogue and how it compares with previous years

· Key messages from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s speech

· Regional perspectives on China’s activities and strategic posture

· Analysis of Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen’s address

· ASEAN’s evolving role in an increasingly contested regional order

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on your podcast platform of choice. If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at japanchair@iiss.org.

Date recorded: 1 June 2025

This episode of Japan Memo was recorded in Singapore and produced at the IISS in London.

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