- A stronger network of allies, essential to deter aggression: Hegseth.
- He says arms sales between the United States and Taiwan remain unchanged.
- Adds that the United States is ready to resume strikes against Iran if no agreement is reached.
SINGAPORE: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to increase military spending to counter China’s growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of “legitimate concern” over its rapid military buildup.
Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s premier forum for defense leaders, military personnel and diplomats, said a stronger, more empowered network of allies is essential to deter aggression and preserve the balance of power.
“There is legitimate concern about China’s historic military buildup and expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond,” he said.
“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would disrupt the regional balance of power,” Hegseth said. “No state, including China, can impose its hegemony and challenge the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies.”
The United States expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP as it pledged to invest $1.5 trillion in its military, the Pentagon chief said.
Hegseth stressed that the allies wanted stability, not escalation.
“What they want, and what the United States gives them, is disciplined strength, steady determination, and leadership confident enough to talk and walk softly while carrying a big stick.”
Hegseth also took a measured tone about U.S.-China relations, saying relations are “better than they have been in many years,” with more frequent military engagements helping to manage tensions.
“We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open military-to-military lines of communication.”
Zhou Bo, a senior researcher at Tsinghua University and retired senior colonel of the People’s Liberation Army who was part of the Chinese delegation, called relations between the United States and China “complicated.”
Still, he said Hegseth struck “a much better tone” this year than last, attributing the change to Trump’s visit to China.
“Both sides have open communication channels, the situation is not as exaggerated as the outside world claims,” Zhou said.
China, whose defense minister is skipping dialogue for the second year in a row, accused Hegseth last year of making “defamatory” comments.
“No freeloading”
Hegseth echoed President Donald Trump’s long-standing demand that allies shoulder a greater share of their own defense costs. Trump has clearly stated that European and NATO partners should reduce their dependence on Washington.
“The days when the United States subsidized the defense of rich countries are over,” Hegseth said. “We need partners, not protectorates,” he added. “We don’t have a strong alliance unless everyone has a stake in the game. No freeloading.”
Hegseth praised contributions from allies including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and said Japan was taking concrete steps to strengthen its defenses.
Tokyo and Washington “must each do their part to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance,” he said.
Ready to relaunch strikes against Iran
On the Middle East conflict, Hegseth said the United States was prepared to resume strikes against Iran if diplomacy fails, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran work to overcome major differences blocking a deal.
“Our ability to start again if necessary…we are more than capable,” Hegseth said. He added that Trump remains “patient” and seeks a “strong deal” to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump said Friday he would gather his advisers in a secure setting at the White House to make a “final decision” on a proposal to end the war in Iran.
Hegseth also pushed back against concerns that the conflict would distract from Asia-Pacific priorities.
“We can do two things at once.”
Taiwan arms sale decision
Asked about arms sales to Taiwan, Hegseth played down concerns that a multibillion-dollar package could be affected as the United States reduces its weapons stockpiles amid the Middle East conflict. “We’re very happy with our inventory and how we’re using it,” he said.
Taiwan, which China considers its own territory, is waiting for the United States to approve an arms sale that Reuters estimates could be worth as much as $14 billion.
Trump sowed uncertainty in Taipei by saying after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this month that he was undecided on whether to approve the package.
Any decisions about future arms sales would be up to President Trump, Hegseth said, which means no change in Washington’s long-standing approach despite its recent engagement with Beijing.
“Those decisions will depend on the president and the nature of that relationship,” Hegseth said. “There has been no change in our status.”
