This year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore was dominated by sharp warnings, strategic posturing, and urgent calls for stronger defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. 

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took center stage, warning of the “threat” posed by China and urging allies to ramp up military spending and deepen ties with Washington. 

But while China was the subject of much of the discussion — it wasn’t there to respond in full. Why did China step back? Was it a tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep? 

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Lim Tai Wei, East Asian expert & Professor at Soka University, to find out more.

This year&rsquo;s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore was dominated by sharp warnings, strategic posturing, and urgent calls for stronger defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took center stage, warning of the &ldquo;threat&rdquo; posed by China and urging allies to ramp up military spending and deepen ties with Washington.&nbsp;
But while China was the subject of much of the discussion &mdash; it wasn&rsquo;t there to respond in full.&nbsp;Why did China step back? Was it a tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep?&nbsp;
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Lim Tai Wei, East Asian expert &amp; Professor at Soka University, to find out more.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

Your evening guide to the day's most important topics — navigate the key events in politics, business, markets, wealth management, and top investment opportunities. Keeps you informed and ahead of the curve, daily.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

The Big Story: China's defence minister absent at Shangri-La Dialogue - A tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep? 

A growing divide has emerged among Western allies after President Donald Trump urged partners to send warships to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Countries including Germany, Spain and Italy have declined, citing legal limitations, the lack of consultation before the strikes on Iran, and the absence of a mandate from organisations such as NATO, the EU or the United Nations.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Leon Goldsmith, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Middle East Politics at the University of Otago, to examine why some US allies are reluctant to get involved, what this reveals about tensions within Western alliances, and what it could mean for efforts to secure one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

A growing divide has emerged among Western allies after President Donald Trump urged partners to send warships to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Countries including Germany, Spain and Italy have declined, citing legal limitations, the lack of consultation before the strikes on Iran, and the absence of a mandate from organisations such as NATO, the EU or the United Nations.
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to&nbsp;Dr Leon Goldsmith, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Middle East Politics at the University of Otago, to examine why some US allies are reluctant to get involved, what this reveals about tensions within Western alliances, and what it could mean for efforts to secure one of the world&rsquo;s most critical energy chokepoints.

The Big Story: “Not NATO’s War” -  Why allies are staying out of Trump’s Hormuz escort plan

Could the yuan start quietly gaining ground against the dollar over the next five years? 

China’s latest Two Sessions suggest the country is serious about its ambition to become a financial superpower, codifying rules that could boost the yuan’s international standing. From economic growth to trade surpluses and monetary policy, there are multiple forces at play.

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Abbas Keshvani, Director (Asia Macro Strategy) at RBC Capital Markets, to find out more.

Could the yuan start quietly gaining ground against the dollar over the next five years?&nbsp;
China&rsquo;s latest Two Sessions suggest the country is serious about its ambition to become a financial superpower, codifying rules that could boost the yuan&rsquo;s international standing. From economic growth to trade surpluses and monetary policy, there are multiple forces at play.
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to&nbsp;Abbas Keshvani, Director (Asia Macro Strategy) at RBC Capital Markets, to find out more.

Wealth Tracker: Is the Chinese Yuan likely to appreciate moderately over the next five years?

People in Los Angeles are getting paid to film themselves doing housework, wearing cameras while doing chores to help train robots and AI systems to understand human movements.

Meanwhile, photos of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s oversized shoes have gone viral, with reports suggesting they may be part of an unusual White House habit where Donald Trump buys shoes for staff.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada dive into these stories where robots learn housework and politics involves very big shoes to fill.

People in Los Angeles are getting paid to film themselves doing housework, wearing cameras while doing chores to help train robots and AI systems to understand human movements.
Meanwhile, photos of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio&rsquo;s oversized shoes have gone viral, with reports suggesting they may be part of an unusual White House habit where Donald Trump buys shoes for staff.
On What&rsquo;s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada dive into these stories where robots learn housework and politics involves very big shoes to fill.

The Big Story: China's defence minister absent at Shangri-La Dialogue - A tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep?

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