U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Asian allies Saturday to increase their military expenditures in response to China’s expanding military capabilities, expressing concern about the nation’s rapid defense buildup during a major regional security conference.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s leading gathering for defense officials, military leaders and diplomats, Hegseth emphasized the need for a more robust and independent network of allies to discourage aggression and maintain regional stability.
“There is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond,” he said.
“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” Hegseth said. “No state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question.”
The Pentagon chief announced that the U.S. anticipates its Asian partners to raise defense expenditures to 3.5% of GDP while committing to a $1.5 trillion investment in American military capabilities.
“Less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs,” Hegseth said, emphasizing that the region needed greater defense capability than conferences. Allies want stability, not escalation, he said.
“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 moderate approach regarding U.S.-China relations, characterizing them as “better than they have been in many years,” with increased military-to-military communication helping to reduce tensions.
“We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication.”
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.”
Nonetheless, 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, whose defense minister is skipping the dialogue for a second consecutive year, accused Hegseth last year of making “vilifying” remarks.
Hegseth reinforced President Donald Trump’s persistent call for allies to take on greater responsibility for their own defense expenses. Trump has specifically stated that European and NATO partners should decrease their dependence on Washington.
“The era of the United States subsidizing the defence of wealthy nations is over,” Hegseth said. “We need partners, not protectorates,” he added. “We don’t have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game. No freeloading.”
Hegseth acknowledged contributions from allies including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and said Japan was taking concrete steps to bolster its defences.
Tokyo and Washington “must each pull our weight to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance,” he said.
Regarding Middle East tensions, Hegseth stated the United States remains prepared to resume military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran work to resolve significant disagreements preventing an agreement.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary…we are more than capable,” Hegseth said. He added that Trump remains “patient” and is seeking a “strong deal” to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump said on Friday he would convene advisers in a secure White House setting to make a “final determination” on a proposal to end the Iran war.
Hegseth also dismissed concerns that the Middle East conflict would divert attention from Asia-Pacific priorities.
“We can do two things at one time.”
During his address, Hegseth did not reference Taiwan, a sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations.
When questioned about weapons sales to the island afterward, Hegseth minimized worries that a multi-billion-dollar package might be impacted as the United States reduces its weapons stockpiles during the Middle East conflict. “We feel very good about our stockpiles and how we use them,” he said.
Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has been waiting for the U.S. to approve an arms sale that Reuters reported could be worth up to $14 billion.
Trump sowed 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, signalling no shift in Washington’s longstanding 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.”
