US defense secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday reassured Indo-Pacific allies that they won’t be left to confront China’s growing military and economic pressure alone. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, he also urged regional partners to boost their own defense spending and readiness.
“We are not going to sugarcoat it — the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent,” Hegseth said. He accused China of actively training for an invasion of Taiwan and cited Beijing’s military exercises simulating a blockade of the self-governed island, which China claims as its own.
Hegseth noted that China has also expanded its military presence through man-made islands in the South China Sea and advanced its hypersonic and space capabilities. In response, the US is ramping up its own space-based “Golden Dome” missile defenses.
He also highlighted China’s growing ambitions in Latin America, especially its efforts to increase influence over the Panama Canal.
He urged Indo-Pacific nations to contribute more to their own security, referencing the 5 per cent of GDP that European allies are being asked to commit to defense spending.
Despite the US pledging to prioritize the Indo-Pacific, Hegseth was questioned about the recent redeployment of US military assets to other regions.
A Patriot missile defense battalion was recently moved from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, and Coast Guard ships were redirected to the US-Mexico border.
Hegseth defended the decision, citing the need to respond to Houthi missile attacks and illegal immigration, but emphasized that allies must share the burden. “Ultimately a strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners is our key strategic advantage,” he said.
He also warned against regional governments relying on China economically while seeking US military protection. “Economic dependence on China only deepens their malign influence and complicates our defense decision space during times of tension,” he said.
China sent only a lower-level delegation to the conference this year, skipping the traditional appearance by its defense minister. Hegseth acknowledged the absence and said the US would continue to engage with willing partners across the region.
He added that the US approach would not require ideological alignment. "We're opening our arms to countries across the spectrum — traditional allies, non-traditional allies.”
Hegseth’s remarks come as the Trump administration increases defense ties in the Middle East and faces challenges balancing military commitments between regions.
“We are not going to sugarcoat it — the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent,” Hegseth said. He accused China of actively training for an invasion of Taiwan and cited Beijing’s military exercises simulating a blockade of the self-governed island, which China claims as its own.
Hegseth noted that China has also expanded its military presence through man-made islands in the South China Sea and advanced its hypersonic and space capabilities. In response, the US is ramping up its own space-based “Golden Dome” missile defenses.
He also highlighted China’s growing ambitions in Latin America, especially its efforts to increase influence over the Panama Canal.
He urged Indo-Pacific nations to contribute more to their own security, referencing the 5 per cent of GDP that European allies are being asked to commit to defense spending.
Despite the US pledging to prioritize the Indo-Pacific, Hegseth was questioned about the recent redeployment of US military assets to other regions.
A Patriot missile defense battalion was recently moved from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, and Coast Guard ships were redirected to the US-Mexico border.
Hegseth defended the decision, citing the need to respond to Houthi missile attacks and illegal immigration, but emphasized that allies must share the burden. “Ultimately a strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners is our key strategic advantage,” he said.
He also warned against regional governments relying on China economically while seeking US military protection. “Economic dependence on China only deepens their malign influence and complicates our defense decision space during times of tension,” he said.
China sent only a lower-level delegation to the conference this year, skipping the traditional appearance by its defense minister. Hegseth acknowledged the absence and said the US would continue to engage with willing partners across the region.
He added that the US approach would not require ideological alignment. "We're opening our arms to countries across the spectrum — traditional allies, non-traditional allies.”
Hegseth’s remarks come as the Trump administration increases defense ties in the Middle East and faces challenges balancing military commitments between regions.
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