- U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter and prevent China's dominance in the region, warning of rightful alarm over its rapid military buildup.
- At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized that a stronger, more self-reliant network of allies is essential to deter aggression and preserve the balance of power.
- The U.S. expects its Asian allies to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP as it pledged a $1.5 trillion investment in its military.
- Hegseth echoed President Donald Trump's long-standing demand that allies shoulder more of their own defence costs.
- The era of the United States subsidizing the defence of wealthy nations is over, Hegseth stated.
- He expressed alarm about China’s growing military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Hegseth highlighted contributions from allies including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, stating that Japan is taking concrete steps to bolster its defences.
- Hegseth articulated that no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of the U.S. and its allies in question.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed a gathering of military leaders in Singapore, emphasizing the necessity for Asian allies to increase their defense budgets to counter China's escalating military presence in the region.
Hegseth pointed out that the U.S. anticipates allies to boost defense spending to 3.5% of GDP; this call aligns with an overarching $1.5 trillion investment commitment from the U.S. into its military capabilities.
Hegseth stated, “The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over”, echoing sentiments reminiscent of President Donald Trump’s previous demands.5
He highlighted contributions from nations like South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, noting that Japan is also enhancing its defenses.
Expressing concerns about China’s military activities, Hegseth remarked, “There is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup” and stressed that “No state, including China, can impose its hegemony” in the Pacific.1
He further emphasized that a region dominated by a single power would threaten the balance of power, stating, “A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power”.
Hegseth's comments reflect a broader shift in U.S. military strategy, advocating for stronger alliances and increased self-reliance among regional partners.
“Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase their defense budgets to counter China's rapid military expansion. This marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding military commitments in the Asia-Pacific region.”
