WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday called on Asian allies to significantly increase their military spending to counter China’s growing influence and prevent any single power from dominating the region.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s leading forum for defence officials, military leaders and diplomats, Hegseth warned that China’s rapid military expansion was causing “rightful alarm” across the region.
Addressing delegates at the summit, Hegseth stressed that a stronger and more self-reliant network of allies was necessary to deter aggression and maintain regional stability. He said there was growing concern over China’s historic military buildup and its expanding military activities both within the region and beyond.
Hegseth cautioned that a Pacific region dominated by any single hegemonic power would undermine the existing balance of power. He emphasised that no country, including China, should be allowed to impose its dominance in a way that threatens the security or prosperity of the United States and its allies.
The Pentagon chief stated that Washington expects its Asian allies and partners to gradually raise defence spending to 3.5 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP). He highlighted that the United States itself had committed to investing $1.5 trillion in strengthening its military capabilities.
While urging greater defence commitments, Hegseth maintained that America’s allies were seeking stability rather than confrontation. He said the United States offers disciplined strength, steady resolve and confident leadership, capable of maintaining peace while remaining prepared to respond to potential threats.
On relations between Washington and Beijing, Hegseth adopted a more measured tone, saying ties between the two countries were currently better than they had been in many years. He noted that increased military-to-military engagement and open communication channels between both sides were helping to manage tensions and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
Echoing the long-standing position of US President Donald Trump, Hegseth said the era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations had ended. He argued that strong alliances require all members to contribute fairly to collective security and insisted that there should be no “freeloading” among partner nations.
The defence secretary praised several US allies for their contributions to regional security, including South Korea, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. He also commended Japan for taking concrete steps to strengthen its military capabilities, saying both Tokyo and Washington must continue sharing responsibility for enhancing their alliance.
Discussing developments in the Middle East, Hegseth said the United States was prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if diplomatic efforts failed to produce an agreement. His remarks came as negotiators from Washington and Tehran continue efforts to overcome significant differences that have stalled progress toward a deal.
Hegseth emphasised that the US military remained fully capable of restarting operations if necessary, while adding that President Trump remained patient and focused on securing a strong agreement that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Responding to concerns that tensions in the Middle East could divert American attention away from the Asia-Pacific region, Hegseth rejected the suggestion, stating that the United States was capable of managing multiple strategic challenges simultaneously.
On the issue of arms sales to Taiwan, Hegseth dismissed concerns that a proposed package worth up to $14 billion could be affected by the US military’s ongoing commitments elsewhere. He said Washington remained confident in its weapons stockpiles and its ability to support allies when required.
Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory, has been awaiting US approval for the major arms package. However, uncertainty emerged after President Trump said following a meeting with Xi Jinping that he had not yet decided whether to authorise the sale.
Hegseth clarified that any future decision regarding arms sales to Taiwan would ultimately rest with President Trump and would depend on the broader state of US-China relations. He nevertheless stressed that there had been no change in Washington’s longstanding policy toward Taiwan despite recent diplomatic engagement with Beijing.