Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said defence capability is not directly linked to how much a country spends.

This perspective challenges traditional metrics of military power, suggesting that strategic consistency and long-term planning are more critical for national security than the total volume of annual expenditures.

Speaking at the closing of the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31 [1], Chan said that consistent investment over time is what determines a nation's actual capability. He said that Singapore will continue to spend what is necessary to protect the city-state and maintain its status as a trusted security partner.

"Defence capability is not directly linked to how much a country spends," Chan said.

Beyond financial metrics, Chan addressed the nature of international security cooperation. He said that nations should move toward more adaptable frameworks to meet evolving threats. He said that countries should develop flexible partnerships, forming "coalitions of the able and willing."

Chan also commented on the nature of regional engagement during the summit. Addressing the level of involvement from various powers, he said, "I'll just like to perhaps encourage people not to use this phrase, low level Chinese participation."

Throughout the event, which concluded on May 31, 2026 [1], the minister said that a linear correlation between spending and capability does not exist. He said that the goal of Singapore's defence strategy remains the preservation of sovereignty through a balanced approach to investment, and partnership.

“"Defence capability is not directly linked to how much a country spends."”

By decoupling spending from capability, Singapore is signaling that its security strategy relies on qualitative advantages and strategic partnerships rather than an arms race based on budget size. This approach allows the city-state to justify its defence spending to domestic audiences while asserting that its deterrent power is derived from long-term systemic investment and the ability to form flexible, purpose-driven alliances.