RSIS 7th Trilateral Exchange 2026 Examines the Next Phase of US-China Relations

27 August 2026 The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) convened the 7th Trilateral Exchange from 26 to 27 August 2026 at Pan Pacific Singapore. Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS delivering his introductory remarks at the 7th RSIS Trilateral Exchange. (Photo Credit: RSIS) Deputy Secretary (Policy) for Ministry of Defence of Singapore Brigadier-General (BG) Frederick Choo delivering his opening remarks at the 7th RSIS Trilateral Exchange. (Photo Credit: MINDEF) Speakers from Singapore, the US and China participating in a Panel Discussion at the 7th RSIS Trilateral Exchange on the evolving dynamics of US-China relations and their implications for Southeast Asia and beyond. (Photo Credit: MINDEF) Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing hosting the closing lunch for the 7th RSIS Trilateral Exchange. (Photo Credit: MINDEF) The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) convened the 7th Trilateral Exchange 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 US, and China to explore and discuss the evolving role of US-China relations and its implications in Southeast Asia and beyond. The bilateral relationship between the US and China is one of the most consequential and complex in the world today, and as two of the largest economies and global powers, their interactions profoundly impact international stability, economic prosperity and regional security. In an era characterised by both cooperation and competition, it is essential to foster frank and constructive dialogue. As such, the 7th Trilateral Exchange examined how the two global powers view the next steps required to ensure that tensions do not escalate and that the bilateral relationship remained on an even keel. Discussions explored how a more durable relationship can be maintained, whether and how dialogue between both sides could reduce the risk of miscalculation, and whether the US and China can arrive at a modus vivendi or middle ground in their tech competition with each other. In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS, highlighted that if the two major powers (US and China) cannot cooperate, not only would regional and global peace and stability be at risk, but there would be serious questions about how broad challenges can be tackled. It is therefore our hope that this trilateral exchange can help foster greater clarity about the priorities of the United States and China and encourage constructive alignment where it is possible. Speaking at the 7th Trilateral Exchange, Deputy Secretary (Policy) for Ministry of Defence of Singapore Brigadier-General (BG) Frederick Choo, highlighted that the Trilateral Exchange is a trusted platform where frank discussions on complex issues can take place, with many of these exchanges subsequently informing official engagements and broader policy discussions. He added, “Over the years, we have observed that the dialogue does not necessarily have to produce consensus to be worthwhile. Often, its greatest value lies in helping us to better understand not only each other's positions, but also the assumptions, constraints and priorities that shape them.” Assistant Professor Dennis Wilder, Senior Fellow in of the Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues and Assistant Professor of the practice in Asian studies in the School of Foreign Service, highlighted that we (US and China) need these exchanges and expressed appreciation to Singapore for offering such opportunities and recommended that more of these can be organised. Professor Zhang Qingmin, Professor and Chair, Department of Diplomacy, School of International Studies, Peking University commended Singapore for providing a valuable platform for participants to exchange views candidly, even where differences remain, noting that such fruitful discussions and exchanges can contribute towards better bilateral relations between China and the US. The 7th Trilateral Exchange provided a platform for frank and constructive dialogue on the next phase of US-China relations and concluded with a lunch hosted by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing. Back to top