U.S. Defence Secretary Calls Asian Allies to Action Against China's Military Expansion

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase military spending to counter China's growing power. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, he emphasized the need for a stronger network of allies to maintain regional balance. The U.S. also plans to invest $1.5 trillion in its military.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called upon Asian allies to increase their military spending in response to China's rapid military expansion. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he highlighted the heightened tensions due to China's escalating military activities.

Hegseth emphasized the importance of a robust and self-reliant alliance network to deter aggression and uphold the regional power balance. The Secretary pointed towards a U.S. commitment to a $1.5 trillion military investment as a backdrop for urging allies to spend more.

Despite concerns over regional security dynamics, Hegseth maintained a diplomatic tone regarding U.S.-China relations, noting improved engagements. Simultaneously, he urged all allies to participate more actively in their own defense, aligning with President Trump's policy against unilateral U.S. military subsidization.