Hegseth urges Asian allies to boost defence spending amid China concerns: Report
Singapore, May 31
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on America's allies in the Indo-Pacific region to increase defence spending and strengthen military preparedness to counter China's growing influence and military expansion, according to a report.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth stressed that maintaining regional stability would require stronger deterrence, deeper security cooperation and greater contributions from US allies.
According to a report by Modern Diplomacy, Hegseth urged partner nations to move beyond discussions and focus on tangible military capabilities, saying that the region needs more resources such as ships, submarines and defence systems rather than merely holding security conferences.
He emphasised the importance of building a strong network of allies capable of deterring aggression and preserving the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
Hegseth said the US expects its allies to raise defence spending to around 3.5 per cent of GDP, while Washington itself is investing nearly $1.5 trillion in military capabilities.
He added that a stronger collective defence posture is essential in the face of evolving security challenges across the region.
The US Defence Secretary also reiterated President Donald Trump's position that wealthy allies should take greater responsibility for their own defence costs.
He declared that the era of American defence subsidies for prosperous nations is coming to an end and stressed that allies must contribute more actively to collective security arrangements.
Highlighting the need for action over rhetoric, Hegseth suggested that the Indo-Pacific requires more military assets and operational capabilities rather than simply more dialogue.
He noted that regional partners are seeking stability and said the US must demonstrate "strength and disciplined leadership" to maintain peace and security.
Despite expressing concern over China's military buildup, Hegseth acknowledged that communication between Washington and Beijing has improved in recent months.
He pointed to increased military-to-military engagement, saying such channels are helping manage tensions even though the broader US-China relationship remains complex.
Chinese delegate Zhou Bo welcomed what he described as a more measured tone in Hegseth's remarks compared with previous years suggesting that previous diplomatic engagement had helped keep communication channels open and reduce the risk of misunderstandings between the two powers.
Hegseth also praised the contributions of several US allies, particularly Japan, for strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing military readiness alongside Washington.
On the Middle East, he said the US remains prepared to resume military strikes on Iran if diplomatic efforts fail, while maintaining that Washington has the capacity to focus simultaneously on both Asian and Middle Eastern security priorities.
Addressing questions regarding Taiwan, Hegseth avoided directly commenting on reports that the US is considering a substantial new arms package for the island.
However, he reiterated that there has been no change in US policy toward Taiwan and said that decisions regarding arms sales ultimately rest with President Trump.
On Saturday Hegseth called for finding a "balance" in the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea in a manner that respects the longstanding role played by US forces on the Korean Peninsula.
Hegseth made the remarks at the defence forum in Singapore amid growing concerns over what appear to be differing views between Seoul and Washington regarding the timing and framework of the transition, Yonhap news agency reported.
"I think we have to find the balance of where our military plans and the responsibilities that US uniformed members have had for decades now (are) honoured, as we phase over to wartime OPCON transfer for South Korea, which we welcome the fact that they want that," he said during a session of the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Hegseth reiterated his positive view on Seoul's strong will to retake the wartime OPCON, calling it a "breath of fresh air" that an ally wants to regain control "more quickly".
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, China ka military buildup toh hum sab dekh rahe hain, lekin Hegseth ka tone pichle saalon se better hai — atleast Zhou Bo ne bhi appreciate kiya. Lekin "era of American defence subsidies ending" sunke thoda anxiety hota hai. India ko apni self-reliance par focus karna chahiye, na ki kisi ke bharose rehna. Make in India for defence is the way forward! 🇮🇳
I get the concern about China, but asking allies to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence is unrealistic for many nations. Even the US itself has huge debt. The Indo-Pacific needs more trade and diplomacy, not just warships and submarines. Hegseth's speech felt like a sales pitch for American defence contractors. 🤷♂️
Taiwan wale part mein Hegseth ne toh seedha answer hi nahi diya! Aur South Korea ko OPCON transfer ka "balance" batana — matlab control toh US ke paas hi rehne do. Honestly, yeh sab "collective security" ke naam pe ek tarah ka dependency hi hai. India ko apni independent foreign policy par focus karna chahiye, jaisa ki humesha kiya hai. Non-alignment ka concept aaj bhi relevant hai!
Hegseth bol rahe hain ki rich allies apna kharcha uthaye — sahi baat hai! Lekin phir Iran ko bhi dhamki de rahe hain strikes ki. Ek taraf peace, doosri taraf aggression. Hum Indian log toh yeh dekh kar confuse ho jaate hain. Voh bolte hain "stre
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.