US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to China at Asia's premier defense summit on Saturday, declaring that no state, including China, can impose its hegemony. He also criticized European allies for not contributing enough to collective defense.
Hegseth's Address at Shangri-La Dialogue
Speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized that partnership is based on alignment of national interests. He stated that Washington seeks a favorable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony or threaten the security and prosperity of the US and its allies.
Hegseth claimed there is rightful alarm in the Asia-Pacific region regarding China's military buildup and expansion of activities. He insisted that America is a Pacific nation and that China must respect the US's longstanding position in the region.
US-China Relations
Despite the strong rhetoric, Hegseth noted that US-China relations are better than they have been in many years under President Donald Trump, with more frequent military-to-military communication.
Demands on Allies
Hegseth made it clear that the era of the US subsidizing wealthy nations is over. He demanded that allies spend at least 3.5% of their GDP on defense, warning that those who refuse will face a shift in how the US does business. He praised India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for improving military readiness, while criticizing Europe for allowing its defense capabilities to atrophy.
He stated that alliances should happen without drama and moralizing.
Other Themes
Iran-linked security concerns in the Gulf region and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are also key themes at this year's dialogue. Many Asian countries are anxious for a resolution due to their dependence on fuel and fertilizer imports from the region.
About the Shangri-La Dialogue
Billed as Asia's premier defense summit, the Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual security conference hosted by the IISS in Singapore. It brings together defense ministers, military chiefs, and security officials from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond to discuss regional security challenges, military cooperation, and geopolitical tensions.
This year's edition runs from Friday to Sunday. Attendees include Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin, and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun is not attending for the second consecutive year; Beijing has instead sent a delegation of experts and scholars from the People's Liberation Army.
