Hegseth: US Seeks Stable Asia, Warns Against Chinese Dominance

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined the United States' vision for Asia at the Shangri-La Dialogue, emphasizing a desire for a "stable equilibrium" where no single nation, including China, can dominate the region. He articulated this as a "favorable but durable balance of power" that benefits both Americans and their allies.

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What we seek ... is a genuinely stable equilibrium that works for Americans as well as our allies, a favorable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question.

Hegseth acknowledged the "rightful alarm" over China's military expansion but stressed that the U.S. does not seek "needless confrontation." He pointed to increased military-to-military interactions as a sign of improving ties with Beijing. However, a notable omission from his speech was any mention of Taiwan. When questioned about a paused arms sale to Taiwan, Hegseth deferred the decision to President Donald Trump.

The defense secretary also made a clear statement on defense spending, urging U.S. allies in Asia to increase their contributions to 3.5% of their GDP. "The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over," Hegseth declared, demanding that allies demonstrate they have "skin in the game" and that the U.S. needs "partners, not protectorates."

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When we look across the region today, there is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond.

While Hegseth's remarks aimed to project U.S. policy, some observers noted a shift in emphasis. DW's Asia Pacific bureau chief Georg Mattes suggested that Hegseth's focus on military buildup and deterrence, rather than dialogue, might be unsettling for Southeast Asian nations. The Shangri-La Dialogue, typically a forum for open debate and diplomacy among defense officials from around 45 countries, seemed to be framed by Hegseth as less necessary than a strengthened military posture.

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The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over... We need partners, not protectorates. We don't have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game. No freeloading.