Hegseth Urges Asian Allies to Boost Defense Spending

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Asian allies to increase their defense spending during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, warning of China's growing military power but emphasizing areas of potential cooperation. According to multiple reports, Hegseth urged a network of self-reliant allies and stated that no single state should dominate the region's security or prosperity.

The Pentagon chief highlighted concerns over China's rapid military buildup while praising countries like South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand for their contributions to regional defense. He also noted Japan's efforts to bolster its defenses and stressed the importance of strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance per CNBC.

Hegseth emphasized that allies seek stability rather than escalation in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue addressed broader security issues, including Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and the Iran conflict according to Reuters. He stated that the U.S. is 'more than capable' of resuming war against Iran, citing sufficient stockpiles of weapons per The Guardian.

The Shangri-La Dialogue opened with concerns about China and doubts over U.S. priorities as reported by PBS. Vietnamese leader To Lam suggested that the U.S. and China need to abide by international law to avoid provoking a global crisis according to NPR. For the second year running, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun skipped the forum, sending instead a low-profile delegation of People's Liberation Army 'experts and scholars' per Reuters.

Hegseth assured Pacific allies that Washington remained committed to the region but toned down previous comments calling China a threat. He said that the region “has profound implications for U.S. security and prosperity” and that Washington’s priority was to “achieve a lasting and favorable balance of power in the Pacific.” According to Los Angeles Times, Hegseth stated that while there is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup, it remains an American priority to ensure that China is not allowed to dominate the Indo-Pacific. He also underscored the Trump administration’s insistence that allies increase defense spending, saying that “we need partners, not protectorates.”

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) accused the Trump administration of “cozying up” to China and expressed concern about the administration's policies aligning with Beijing's interests according to Los Angeles Times.