The US Secretary of Defense has urged Asian countries to increase their military spending to bolster regional deterrence against China, which is allegedly preparing to take control over Taiwan.
Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, emphasized the need for the US to have a stronger presence in the Indo-Pacific and outlined new joint projects, such as increased access to military ship and plane repair, including in Australia.
Hegseth stated that US allies in the Indo-Pacific should upgrade their defenses, as Beijing is potentially preparing to use military force in the region. He also mentioned that the threat posed by China is real and imminent.
Hegseth stressed that Donald Trump’s administration had pushed European countries to boost their defensive spending, and it was time for Asian nations to do the same.
Despite previously criticizing Europe’s dependence on US security support, Hegseth urged Asian countries to look to allies in Europe as a new example.
Hegseth acknowledged that deterrence would not come easily, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
He noted that the renewed focus on Europe, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, allowed the US to shift its priority to the Indo-Pacific.
Hegseth clarified that the US aims to work with Asian countries where their shared interests align, for the sake of peace and prosperity.
Although the US seeks to avoid conflict with China, Hegseth made a point of expressing dissatisfaction with the absence of any senior Chinese delegate at the conference.
The speech also referenced comments by French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, suggesting that the US’s commitment may not be as solid as the allies believe.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of sharing the burden among allies to focus more on the Indo-Pacific, as an alliance cannot be ironclad if it is perceived as one-sided.
The US will conduct its first-ever live-fire test of its mid-range capability system in Australia and establish repair capability programs in the region.
Overall, Hegseth’s speech echoed the Trump administration’s defense and security stance, blaming the previous administration and promising increased spending on military defense.
Following the speech, US Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed concerns about Hegseth’s language, arguing that the US should stand together with allies rather than appearing patronizing.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/31/pete-hegseth-calls-on-asia-to-boost-military-spending-in-face-of-imminent-threat-from-china-us-defence-secretary
