SINGAPORE | — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Indo-Pacific nations to significantly enhance their military spending in response to what he described as an “imminent and credible threat” from China. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized the urgent need for regional cooperation to deter Beijing’s growing military ambitions, particularly regarding Taiwan.
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| Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, during the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The conference runs through June 1. Photographer: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg via Getty Images |
“China isn’t just posturing — it’s preparing,” Hegseth warned. “The Indo-Pacific must act now to strengthen deterrence.”
US Expands Defense Commitments in the Indo-Pacific
Hegseth unveiled a range of new U.S.-led defense initiatives in the region, including plans to increase access to military repair facilities for naval and air forces, particularly in Australia. He also confirmed the upcoming live-fire testing of mid-range missile systems on Australian soil — a strategic move aimed at bolstering U.S. and allied presence in the region.
Call for Regional Responsibility
Drawing parallels to past U.S. efforts to pressure European nations into increasing their defense budgets, Hegseth said it was now time for Asian partners to step up.
“We’ve pushed NATO to share the security burden in Europe. Now our allies in Asia must do the same,” he stated.
A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies found defense budgets across Asia are rising, with several nations now exceeding the historical average of 1.5% of GDP on defense-related spending.
Focus on Unity, Not Ideology
Hegseth reassured attendees that Washington was not seeking to impose its values on the region.
“We are not here to lecture about climate policies or domestic politics,” he said. “We are here to ensure peace through strength — with mutual respect.”
He underscored that while the U.S. respects China’s history and culture, it would not allow Beijing to dominate the region.
“The United States will not be driven out of the Indo-Pacific. We seek peace — not provocation — but we will not yield to aggression,” he affirmed.
China’s Absence Noted at Key Summit
In a pointed remark, Hegseth called attention to the lack of senior Chinese representation at this year’s dialogue, hinting at Beijing's reluctance to engage in multilateral defense discussions.
“We’re here, and clearly, someone important is not,” he quipped.
European Allies as a Model for Asia?
Interestingly, Hegseth encouraged Asian allies to look toward Europe for inspiration — a surprising twist given his previous criticism of NATO members for “freeloading.” He cited renewed European defense efforts amid the Russia-Ukraine war as evidence that shared responsibility works.
“Deterrence comes at a price,” he said. “But it also buys stability.”
Legislators React to Hegseth’s Tone
Responding to his remarks, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth — co-leading a bipartisan congressional delegation in Asia — welcomed the reaffirmation of America’s commitment but criticized the tone of Hegseth’s message.
“We don’t need wrapping arms or condescension — we need cooperation and mutual respect,” Duckworth told reporters in Singapore.
She emphasized that bipartisan support for the Indo-Pacific strategy in the U.S. Congress is growing, regardless of the Trump administration’s approach.
Trump’s Military Vision and Global Role
Hegseth reaffirmed Donald Trump’s defense strategy, which includes a $1 trillion defense budget proposal, representing a 13% annual increase. He cited ongoing plans to modernize U.S. weapon systems — including the controversial “Golden Dome” missile shield — and to “reassert American influence globally,” including efforts to regain strategic control over the Panama Canal.
The speech also included criticisms of previous administrations and a firm stance on border security and illegal immigration — key components of Trump’s broader foreign policy doctrine.
Maintaining International Norms in the Face of Rising Tensions
While reiterating that the U.S. does not seek a direct confrontation with China, both Hegseth and Duckworth stressed the need to uphold international norms and sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific.
“This is about preserving peace, not provoking war,” Duckworth added. “No country should be forced to choose between the U.S. and China — but together we must choose stability.”
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