“We’re Going in Circles”: Defence Leaders Express Frustration at the Special Defence Dialogue

At the recent Special Defence Dialogue (SDD), frustration quietly simmered beneath the polished surface of protocol and prepared statements. In a world where crises no longer wait for diplomacy to catch up, delegates from across Asia and beyond gathered to address the future of international security. 

What followed was an eye-opening exchange — raw, tense, and at times, painfully honest.

Vietnam: “Everyone’s so fixated on now, not what we’re becoming.” 

Vietnam’s delegate did not mince words when asked about the state of global counter-terrorism. “There’s still no agreed definition of terrorism,” he said, shaking his head. “We’ve tried to create a framework, yes. But it’s like putting a roof on a house that hasn’t been built. Everyone’s so fixated on what’s happening now. No one’s thinking ahead about what could possibly happen in the future and threats are quietly growing while we argue over definitions.” 

Indonesia: “We’re going in circles.”

When the Kyodo News spoke with the Indonesian Minister of Defence, their expression said it all. “We’re not even referring to the most current updates anymore,” she said, clearly exasperated. “The conversations just keep looping back on themselves. It’s like no one knows how to move forward without stepping on political landmines. So, our conversations just end up going in circles.”

Myanmar: “Less aggression doesn’t mean less impact.” 

Myanmar’s delegate took a more reflective tone, defending their approach. “We have built a framework that intentionally avoids aggressive posturing,” he explained. “That’s not weakness—it’s strategy. When you escalate, you waste resources. We want a platform that builds trust, not tension.”

Russia: “This committee should never be a tool for proxy wars.”

Russia’s delegate echoed a warning that’s been heard increasingly in international circles. “Yes, the structure needs to evolve,” he admitted. “But not into a place where bigger powers fight shadow wars. Proxy wars should not be the direction we go to prevent the threats posed by terrorism. Russia will provide diplomatic support, and will stand by that.” 

Australia: “Our job is to protect.” 

Australia’s position was rather focused and clear. “It’s about protection,” said the Australian Minister of Defence. “Protecting our neighbours, protecting civilians, and protecting our region from the ever-growing threat of terrorism should be our key priority. We’ve lost sight of that amidst all this politicking.” 

United Kingdom: “We’re all talking but no one is solving.” 

The UK’s Secretary of State for Defence, representing John Healey, was candid when asked about global coordination. “ASEAN and Europe can learn from each other, but we’re all stuck in neutral,” he admitted. “There’s been an update on the Congo conflict, but no concrete solutions. We’re addressing ISIS, sure. But honestly? It feels like everyone’s just trying to stay relevant without actually solving anything.” 

Iran: “People are dying and we have done nothing.”

Iran's minister of defence being interviewed during the SDD Conference 

Perhaps the most urgent voice came from Iran’s Defence Minister. “We’ve got too many DMAs (Draft Ministerial Agreements) to vote on, no one even knows what’s on the table anymore. Something needs to be pushed out now. Because people are dying, and the SDD has done nothing to address the issue.” 

After several rounds of debate, it’s clear that many delegates are no longer satisfied with just words. Across interviews, the message was consistent: the SDD has not produced real outcomes, and is going in a circular dialogue. 

Countries such as Singapore and Iran openly criticised the lack of progress. Others, including Indonesia and Vietnam have expressed concern that discussions are too repetitive and disconnected from current global events. While some delegates proposed frameworks or offered long-term solutions, there is still no common agreement—not even on how to define terrorism.

Written by Yu Ho Lam Winston, Xie Zhenyue Dora, and Aidan Ng (Huang Qirui)