US won't let China impose 'hegemony' in Asia, Hegseth says

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared at Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue that the Trump administration is committed to preventing China from imposing "hegemony" in the Asia-Pacific region. As the highest-profile speaker at the summit, Hegseth called on allies in both Europe and Asia to bolster their defense budgets, stating the U.S. seeks "partners, not protectorates."

“

The U.S. will not let China impose 'hegemony' on the region.

He highlighted the administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, asserting it would "unleash America's arsenal of freedom and expand America's military dominance for decades to come." Hegseth also pointed to U.S. efforts to strengthen its military presence along the first island chain, an archipelago stretching from Japan through the Philippines, and pledged that Washington would not abandon Asia.

"A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power and undermine the equilibrium we all seek to preserve," Hegseth stated. "The Department of War is working with the utmost focus to prevent any such unraveling."

“

We need partners, not protectorates.

Despite the regional focus, Hegseth conspicuously omitted any mention of Taiwan in his speech. This silence drew significant attention, particularly following recent interactions between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and amid stalled $14 billion arms sales to Taiwan. China has actively sought to distance the U.S. from Taiwan, fueling anxieties in Taipei about potential shifts in American support.

“

A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power and undermine the equilibrium we all seek to preserve.

When questioned about the arms sales, Hegseth denied any delays due to depleted U.S. stockpiles, stating the administration felt "very good" about its inventory. He deferred decisions on future sales to the President. "There is 'no change' in America's overall position on Taiwan," he added, though he acknowledged that arms sales had not been used as a bargaining chip since 1982.

“

The Department of War is working with the utmost focus to prevent any such unraveling.