SINGAPORE: Senior officials from approximately two dozen major intelligence agencies across the globe gathered for a confidential meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore this weekend, a foreign news agency reported.
The Singapore government has been organizing these discreet meetings at a separate venue alongside the security summit for several years, although they have not been previously reported.
Among the participating countries, the United States was represented by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, while China also had its officials present, despite the ongoing tensions between the two superpowers. The head of India’s Research and Analysis Wing, Samant Goel, was also in attendance, as confirmed by an Indian source.
The meetings serve as an important fixture on the international intelligence agenda, promoting a deeper understanding of intentions and bottom lines among the participating countries. They provide an opportunity for intelligence services to engage in discussions when formal diplomacy becomes challenging, particularly during times of tension. The Singapore event facilitates such interactions and fosters cooperation.
According to the news agency, sources familiar with the discussions declined to be identified due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. The Singapore Ministry of Defence confirmed that such bilateral or multilateral meetings are facilitated on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, with participants finding them beneficial for constructive engagement. The US Embassy in Singapore stated that it had no information regarding the meeting, while there was no immediate response from the Chinese and Indian governments.
The Five Eyes network, comprising the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, regularly gathers and shares intelligence. However, larger meetings of the intelligence community, such as the one in Singapore, are infrequent and rarely publicized.
Discussions During Spy Chief’s Meeting in Singapore
Although specific details about the discussions remain limited, sources suggest that topics such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and transnational crime were addressed. Notably, no Russian representative was present at the meeting. The atmosphere during the discussions was described as collaborative and cooperative, rather than confrontational.
Meanwhile, the main Shangri-La Dialogue saw over 600 delegates from 49 countries engaging in plenary sessions, closed-door bilateral and multilateral meetings, and discussions at the expansive Shangri-La Hotel. Keynote addresses were delivered by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, and counterparts from Britain, Japan, Canada, Indonesia, and South Korea.
The participation of Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines in the cybersecurity discussion emphasized the importance of cooperation between countries, even in the face of distrust and adversarial relations. Haines stressed the need to work together on issues of mutual interest and manage the potential for escalation.
In a separate development, US officials confirmed that CIA Director William Burns visited China last month for talks with Chinese counterparts as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to enhance communication with Beijing.
