US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Asian allies to increase military spending to counter China’s rapid military buildup, in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on Saturday.
Hegseth’s remarks come after President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, which both sides hailed as a success. Hegseth stated that US-China relations are “better than they’ve been in many years,” but expressed concern over China’s military activities in the region.
China’s Military Expansion
A Pacific dominated by a single power would disrupt the regional balance and undermine stability, according to Hegseth. He emphasized the need for Asian allies to boost their military spending to counter China’s growing military presence.
Hegseth’s speech was notable for not mentioning Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China, despite concerns over the US’s commitment to the region. When asked about Taiwan, Hegseth downplayed concerns and stated that the US had sufficient weapons in stock.
The US is also dealing with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Hegseth repeating President Trump’s statement that the US will not make a deal with Iran unless it ensures the country does not acquire a nuclear weapon.
Regional Implications
The US and China are still strategic competitors, and countries in Southeast Asia feel caught between the two powers. Vietnam’s President To Lam warned of the risks of “unchecked competition” where “might makes it right.”
Analysts say that Hegseth’s speech lacked clarity on how the US plans to achieve a “decent peace” with China. China did not send its defense minister to the forum, instead sending a lower-level delegation of military experts and scholars.
The situation highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region, with the US seeking to maintain its influence while China continues to expand its military presence.
The broader significance of Hegseth’s speech lies in its implications for the future of the region, as the US and China navigate their complex and often contentious relationship, with the stability of the Asia-Pacific region hanging in the balance.
