New Delhi, June 1 -- The Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore ended on Sunday with defence mavens hunting for clues of what may arise from today's geopolitical flux.

Organized by London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, this year's edition saw China and Japan argue about arming up and a notable shift in America's tone on Taiwan in apparent deference to Beijing.

Like the recent US-China summit, it hinted of an 'American Century' turning Asian sooner than expected.

As for arms deals, India's sale of BrahMos missiles to Vietnam made news.

US 'war secretary' Pete Hegseth called India a "critical anchor" in South Asia; as if to reassure Asian allies, he said the US will work closely with Japan and South Korea.

In paral...