Hegseth Praises Asian Allies, Warns China at Shangri-La Dialogue
CNBC reported Friday that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to commend Asian partners for stepping up on defense while putting Beijing on notice over its growing military footprint.
Hegseth Sets the Tone in Singapore
Speaking at the high-profile security forum, Hegseth described Washington’s alliance approach as “strong, quiet, clear.” He framed the bedrock of any partnership around shared national interests. The Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore all received praise for deepening their defense contributions. Vietnam and India were also recognized for lifting their military readiness.
Hegseth acknowledged that US-China relations are currently at a relative high point. But he paired that acknowledgment with a pointed warning. Washington will not accept any single power, including China, using its influence to control the security or economic futures of American allies. He cited what he called “rightful alarm” across the region over China’s accelerating military expansion and its reach beyond traditional boundaries.
A 3.5% Benchmark and a Clear Ultimatum
Hegseth set an explicit target, demanding that allied nations direct 3.5% of GDP toward defense. Countries meeting that standard would be rewarded with faster arms sales, expanded intelligence sharing, and closer industrial cooperation. Those falling short, Hegseth said, should expect a meaningful shift in how Washington engages with them.
He also took a swing at Europe, arguing that NATO allies had long avoided contributing their fair share. He told European capitals to “take note” of how Asia-Pacific partners were stepping up. The remarks echoed a broader posture from the Trump administration, which has repeatedly used burden-sharing as leverage across both theaters.
Background: A Familiar Trump Playbook
The Trump administration has consistently pressed allies on defense spending since returning to office. Before his second term, President Donald Trump publicly claimed he warned a NATO member that the US would not defend nations failing to pay their way. That stance has generated sustained anxiety among traditional partners, with many leaders questioning Washington’s reliability as a long-term security guarantor. Hegseth pushed back on that perception Saturday, insisting “America first does not mean America alone.”
US Strategy Sharpens in the Pacific
The Shangri-La Dialogue drew senior defense officials from across the region. Hegseth’s address signaled that the Indo-Pacific will remain the primary theater for US strategic attention. The administration is betting that a coalition of capable, funded allies can sustain regional balance without leaning entirely on American military power.
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