US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of rightful alarm over its rapid military buildup.
The Pentagon chief, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore said stronger, more self-reliant allies are key to deterrence. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth speaks during a plenary session of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on May 30, 2026.
Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. SINGAPORE: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of"rightful alarm" over its rapid military buildup.
"There is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," he said. The US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP as it pledged a US$1.5 trillion investment in its military, the Pentagon chief said.
"What they want, and what the United States 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 added ties with Beijing are"better than they have been in many years," citing increased military-to-military contacts. Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has demanded that allies boost defence spending and has pointedly said European and NATO partners should reduce reliance on Washington.
"We need partners, not protectorates," he added. "We don't have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game. No freeloading.
"US defence chief Hegseth calls on PM Wong ahead of Shangri-La Dialogue, reaffirms ties with Singapore
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth Shangri-La Dialogue China's Military Buildup Military Spending Asian Allies
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