United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth voiced serious concerns on Saturday regarding China’s swift military expansion throughout Asia. He explicitly called on Washington’s regional allies and partners to boost their defense spending to 3.5 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking at the prominent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth outlined the Trump administration’s strategic approach to Asia. He stressed that the US aims to maintain a “stable equilibrium” in the region, ensuring no single country, including China, can dominate uncontested.
“Our goal is a genuinely stable balance of power that benefits both Americans and our allies,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a durable arrangement where no state can threaten the security or prosperity of the US and its partners.
Hegseth acknowledged the widespread alarm across the Pacific over Beijing’s historic military buildup and its expanding regional activities. However, he sought to ease tensions by highlighting improved bilateral communication between Washington and Beijing, noting recent increases in critical military-to-military exchanges.
Notably, Taiwan was absent from his prepared remarks. When pressed about a paused arms sale to Taipei, the defense chief deferred the decision entirely to President Donald Trump.
Turning to the issue of defense funding, Hegseth delivered a firm message to Asian governments about financial responsibility within US alliances. He declared that the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations has ended, insisting that the US needs partners who contribute equally rather than protectorates.
“We cannot have a strong alliance unless everyone shares the burden. No freeloading,” he emphasized, reflecting President Trump’s broader foreign policy demanding that allies increase their defense budgets and reduce reliance on American military support.
Hegseth also affirmed that the US possesses ample conventional military stockpiles and remains fully prepared to resume operations against Iran if necessary.
The firm stance sparked concern among regional analysts, who noted that the focus on military deterrence and expansion over traditional diplomacy could heighten tensions for Southeast Asian countries striving to avoid a confrontation between superpowers.
