Hegseth Sounds Alarm Over China's Military Build-up, Urges Allies to Boost Spending

Singapore – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Asian allies to bolster their military expenditures to counter China's expanding influence and military capabilities in the region.

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There is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military build-up and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defense forum, Hegseth expressed "rightful alarm" regarding China's historic military build-up and its increasing military activities. He stressed the necessity of a robust and self-reliant network of allies to deter aggression and maintain the regional balance of power.

"A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power," Hegseth stated. He emphasized that no single nation, including China, should be allowed to impose its hegemony and jeopardize the security or prosperity of the United States and its allies. The Pentagon chief announced the U.S. commitment of a $1.5 trillion investment in its military and expects its Asian partners to increase their defense spending to 3.5% of their GDP.

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A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power.

Hegseth advocated for a stronger allied presence, stating, "Less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs." He assured that allies desire stability, not escalation, and that the U.S. provides strength characterized by discipline, steady resolve, and confident leadership. He also noted that U.S.-China relations are currently better than in recent years, with improved military-to-military communication helping to manage tensions.

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Less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs.

Addressing defense cost-sharing, Hegseth echoed President Trump's stance, asserting that "the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over." He stressed the need for "partners, not protectorates," and that a strong alliance requires universal contribution, warning against "freeloading." Hegseth commended the defense contributions of allies such as South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and acknowledged Japan's concrete steps in this direction.

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The era of the United States subsidizing the defence of wealthy nations is over.