The U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Asian partners to significantly increase their military expenditures during a major defense conference in Singapore on Saturday, citing concerns about China’s expanding military capabilities across the region.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s leading gathering for defense officials and military leaders, Hegseth emphasized the need for stronger, more independent allied networks to prevent regional dominance by any single power.
“There is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond,” he said.
The Pentagon leader warned against allowing any nation to control the Pacific, stating: “A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power. No state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question.”
Hegseth announced that the U.S. expects its Asian partners to raise defense spending to 3.5% of their GDP, while America commits $1.5 trillion to its own military investments.
The defense secretary emphasized that allies seek stability rather than conflict, explaining: “What they want, and what the United States delivers, is strength that is disciplined, resolve that is steady, and leadership that is confident enough to speak and walk softly while carrying a big stick.”
Despite his warnings about China’s military expansion, Hegseth adopted a more measured approach regarding U.S.-China relations, describing them as “better than they have been in many years,” with increased military-to-military communication helping manage tensions.
“We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication,” he noted.
Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University and retired People’s Liberation Army senior colonel who was part of the Chinese delegation, described U.S.-China relations as “complicated.”
However, he said Hegseth struck “a much better tone” this year than last, attributing the shift to Trump’s visit to China.
“Both sides have open channels of communication, the situation is not as exaggerated as the outside world makes it out to be,” Zhou said.
China’s defense minister is absent from the dialogue for the second year running. Last year, China criticized Hegseth for making “vilifying” remarks.
Hegseth reinforced President Donald Trump’s ongoing position that allies must take greater responsibility for their own defense costs, stating that European and NATO partners should depend less on Washington.
“The era of the United States subsidizing the defence of wealthy nations is over,” Hegseth declared. “We need partners, not protectorates. We don’t have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game. No freeloading.”
The defense secretary commended contributions from allies including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, noting that Japan was taking concrete steps to strengthen its defenses.
Regarding Japan specifically, he said Tokyo and Washington “must each pull our weight to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance.”
Addressing Middle East tensions, Hegseth indicated the United States remains prepared to resume military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail, as negotiators from both countries work to resolve significant disagreements preventing an agreement.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary…we are more than capable,” Hegseth stated. He added that Trump remains “patient” and is seeking a “strong deal” to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump announced on Friday he would gather advisers in a secure White House setting to make a “final determination” on a proposal to end the Iran war.
Hegseth dismissed concerns that the Middle East conflict would divert attention from Asia-Pacific priorities, saying: “We can do two things at one time.”
When questioned about arms sales to Taiwan, Hegseth minimized worries that a multi-billion-dollar package could be impacted as the United States reduces its weapons stockpiles amid the Middle East conflict. “We feel very good about our stockpiles and how we use them,” he said.
Taiwan, which China considers its own territory, has been awaiting U.S. approval for an arms sale that Reuters reported could be worth up to $14 billion.
Trump created uncertainty in Taipei by saying, after meeting China’s President Xi Jinping this month, that he was undecided on whether to approve the package.
Any decision on future arms sales would rest with President Trump, Hegseth said, indicating no change in Washington’s established approach despite recent engagement with Beijing.
“Those decisions will depend on the president and the nature of that relationship,” Hegseth said. “There’s been no change in our status.”
