The Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, is set to begin its annual meeting in Singapore on Friday.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony on Friday evening. Topics high on the agenda include "challenges to Asia-Pacific Security", "New forms of security collaboration in Asia" and "Preventing conflict escalation."
Defense ministers from 17 countries, including US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, have confirmed their participation.
And Admiral Sun Jianguo, a deputy chief of staff of China's People's Liberation Army will head the Chinese delegation to attend the three-day event. Sun is expected to explain China's foreign and defense policies.
