Pentagon Chief Raises 'Alarm' Over China's Expansion, Presses Asian Allies To Spend More On Defence

Last Updated:May 30, 2026, 09:24 IST

Warning against any single power dominating the region, Hegseth added, "A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power."

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday called on Asian allies to boost military spending and strengthen regional deterrence against China, citing concerns over Beijing’s expanding military capabilities and influence.

Addressing delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a leading gathering of defence officials, military leaders and diplomats, Hegseth argued that a more capable and self-reliant alliance network was necessary to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“There is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," he said.

Warning against any single power dominating the region, Hegseth added, “A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power." He further stated, “No state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question."

The Pentagon chief said Washington expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP, while highlighting a planned $1.5 trillion investment in the U.S. military.

At the same time, Hegseth stressed that regional partners were seeking stability rather than confrontation.

“What they want, and what the United States delivers, is strength that is disciplined, resolve that is steady, and leadership that is confident enough to speak and walk softly while carrying a big stick."

He also described U.S.-China relations as being “better than they have been in many years," pointing to more frequent military-to-military contacts as a way to manage tensions.

“We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication."

Reiterating President Donald Trump’s position on burden-sharing, Hegseth said allies should contribute more towards their own defence and reduce dependence on Washington.

“The era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over," Hegseth said.

“We need partners, not protectorates," he added. “We don’t have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game. No freeloading."

He commended the defence contributions of South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, while noting that Japan was taking concrete steps to strengthen its military capabilities.

Referring to the US-Japan alliance, Hegseth said Tokyo and Washington “must each pull our weight to strengthen the US-Japan alliance."

Responding to questions on Taiwan, Hegseth said US weapons stockpiles remained sufficient despite concerns over military support amid the conflict in the Middle East.

“We feel very good about our stockpiles and how we use them," he said.

Taiwan has been awaiting US approval for an arms package that Reuters reported could be worth up to $14 billion. Earlier this month, President Trump said he had not yet decided whether to approve the sale following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Hegseth indicated that any future arms sales decision would ultimately be made by Trump and said Washington’s position had not changed.

“Those decisions will depend on the president and the nature of that relationship," Hegseth said. “There’s been no change in our status."

(With inputs from Reuters)

News world Pentagon Chief Raises 'Alarm' Over China's Expansion, Presses Asian Allies To Spend More On Defence

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