Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Implication on Singapore of Renaming US Department of Defense to Department of War

Mr Lee Hong Chuang asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence what are the implications that the recent renaming of the United States Department of Defense to the Department of War may have on Singapore’s foreign policy, defence strategy and regional stability.

Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

The naming of the department is an internal matter for the United States’ (US) administration to decide. During my recent visit to the US in September 2025, I had a productive meeting with the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. We reaffirmed our excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship and discussed ways to deepen cooperation. Singapore supports the US’ continued engagement in the Asia-Pacific, in line with the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding which was renewed in 2019 by President Donald Trump and then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.