The Pentagon chief, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, said stronger, more self-reliant allies are key to deterrence.

Bangkok's creative energy is in overdrive. The new Voco Bangkok Surawong puts you right in the middle of it.

His address comes as global tensions remain elevated, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

Beijing is taking steps to stabilise leadership at the National Financial Regulatory Administration after former head Li Yunze was demoted in April due to what was treated as a suspected disciplinary violation.

New Zealand could move faster towards its target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence if security conditions warrant it, Defence Minister Chris Penk tells CNA.