US China relations

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Asian allies to significantly increase defense spending in response to China’s expanding military capabilities, warning that the region faces growing security challenges if Beijing’s influence continues to rise unchecked.

Speaking at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth stressed that a stronger and more self-reliant alliance network is crucial to maintaining stability and preserving the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region.

“There is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond,” Hegseth told defense leaders, military officials, and diplomats gathered at Asia’s leading security forum.

The Pentagon chief warned that any attempt by China to dominate the Pacific region could undermine regional security and economic prosperity. He emphasized that the United States remains committed to preventing any single power from establishing hegemony over the region.

Hegseth revealed that Washington expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defense spending to approximately 3.5% of their gross domestic product while the United States moves forward with a planned $1.5 trillion investment in its own military capabilities.

While highlighting concerns about China’s military expansion, Hegseth also adopted a measured tone regarding relations with China. He noted that military-to-military communication between Washington and Beijing has improved and remains an important tool for managing tensions between the two global powers.

According to Hegseth, U.S.-China relations are currently in a more stable position than they have been in recent years, with both sides maintaining open channels of communication.

Chinese delegate Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University and former People’s Liberation Army colonel, described relations between the two countries as complicated but acknowledged that the tone of discussions had improved compared to previous years.

The defense secretary also echoed President Donald Trump’s long-standing position that allies should shoulder a greater share of their own defense responsibilities.

“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,” Hegseth said, adding that strong alliances require equal commitment from all participating nations.

He praised defense contributions from allies including South Korea, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, noting that Tokyo has taken significant steps to strengthen its military capabilities in recent years.

Addressing tensions in the Middle East, Hegseth stated that the United States remains prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail to produce a satisfactory agreement regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. However, he said the Trump administration continues to pursue a diplomatic solution.

Hegseth also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Taiwan, while noting that any future arms sales decisions would ultimately be determined by President Trump. Reports indicate Taiwan is awaiting approval for a potential U.S. weapons package valued at up to $14 billion.

Despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Hegseth rejected suggestions that U.S. attention toward Asia would diminish, insisting that Washington remains capable of addressing multiple global security challenges simultaneously.