Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue Defense Forum Is Called Off

(Bloomberg) -- The Shangri-La Dialogue, a high-profile regional security forum held annually in Singapore, has been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The forum, usually attended by ministerial-level delegates and top defense officials globally, was scheduled to be held from June 5 to June 7. This is the first time the event is being canceled since its inception in 2002, with its organizer, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, calling it the “most sensible course at this point.”

“Many countries have imposed travel restrictions in response to the pandemic and these may still be in force at the time that this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue would have been convened,” IISS said in a statement. “In light of the serious challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, the IISS has decided in close consultation with the government of Singapore not to convene the 2020 Shangri-La Dialogue.”

Singapore has barred the entry of short-term visitors, and directed all events and mass gatherings to be deferred or canceled until at least April 30. The nation has 732 confirmed cases and two deaths. On Friday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the country faces a grave economic challenge that may affect the timing of the upcoming general election.

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