IN BRIEF
- Hegseth said China’s military build up and expansion could “unravel” the balance of power in the Pacific.
- He also warned military reliance on the US and downplayed potential arms deals with Taiwan.
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Asian allies to significantly increase their military budgets as a strategic move to counteract China’s escalating influence and assertiveness in the region.
During his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a key conference for defense officials, military leaders, and diplomats held in Singapore this weekend, Hegseth highlighted concerns over China’s swift military advancements.
He emphasized that building a robust and self-sufficient alliance network is crucial for deterring potential aggression and maintaining regional stability.
“There is a legitimate concern about China’s unprecedented military expansion and its growing activities across the region and beyond,” Hegseth stated.
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“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 US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP as it pledged a $1.5 trillion investment in its military, the Pentagon chief said.
Hegseth stressed allies wanted stability, not escalation.
“What they want, and what the US 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.”
Hegseth also struck a measured tone on US-China ties, saying relations are “better than they have been in many years,” with more frequent military-to-military engagement helping to manage tensions.
“We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication,” he said.
‘No freeloading’
Hegseth echoed President Donald Trump’s long-standing demand that allies should shoulder more of their own defence costs. Trump has pointedly said European and NATO partners should reduce reliance on Washington.
“The era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over,” Hegseth said.
“We need partners, not protectorates.
“We don’t have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin 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 bolster its defences.
He said Japan and the US “must each pull our weight” to strengthen their alliance.
Arms sales to Taiwan is Trump’s call
Asked about arms sales to Taiwan, Hegseth downplayed concerns that a multi-billion-dollar package could be affected as the US draws down 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 views as its own territory, has been waiting for the US to approve an arms sale that could be worth up to US$14 billion ($20 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 the president, Hegseth said, signalling there was no shift in Washington’s longstanding approach despite its 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.”
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