Pete Hegseth sounds 'alarm' over China's buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend
The Pentagon chief, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, said stronger, more self-reliant allies are key to deterrence.
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SINGAPORE: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of "rightful alarm" over its rapid military buildup.
Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore - Asia's premier forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats - said stronger, more self-reliant allies are key to deterrence.
"There is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," he said.
"A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power," Hegseth said.
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"No state, including China, can impose hegemony and hold the security of our nation and our allies in question."
The US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP as it pledged a US$1.5 trillion investment in its military, the Pentagon chief said.
Hegseth stressed allies want stability, not escalation.
"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."
Hegseth added ties with Beijing are "better than they have been in many years," citing increased military-to-military contacts.
"We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open lines of military to military communication."
"NO FREELOADING"
Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has demanded that allies boost defence spending and has pointedly said European and NATO partners should reduce reliance 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."
Hegseth praised contributions from allies and partners including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and said Japan was taking concrete steps to bolster its defences.
Tokyo and Washington "must each pull our weight to strengthen the US-Japan alliance,” he said.
Speaking to CNA following Hegseth's speech, China's former Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai noted the defence chief's reference to Trump's recent state visit to China, in which there was an agreement on a "constructive relationship of regional stability".
"I think during the visit it's fair to say that a lot of goodwill was expressed. That's good. Now the next thing we need is good faith - how the two sides can work together in the same direction to translate this vision into reality."
When asked for his views on Hegseth's alarm over China's militarisation and buildup, he said: "We have a longstanding position on such military alliances. They should not be directed against any third party, certainly not China. So, how the US shares the burden with its allies is their business."
"What is important for us is the purpose, the mission, the goal of such alliances. They should not try to challenge the legitimate interests of other countries."
Senior fellow at Tsinghua University and retired People’s Liberation Army senior colonel, Zhou Bo, who was part of the Chinese delegation, described US-China relations as "complicated".
Nonetheless, he said Hegseth struck "a much better tone" this year than last, attributing the shift to Trump’s visit to China.
"Both sides have open channels of communication, the situation is not as exaggerated as the outside world makes it out to be," Zhou said.
China, whose defence minister is skipping the dialogue for a second consecutive year, accused Hegseth last year of making "vilifying" remarks.
READY TO RESTART STRIKES ON IRAN
On the Middle East conflict, Hegseth said the US stands ready to resume strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran work to bridge major differences blocking a deal.
"Our ability to recommence if necessary...we are more than capable," Hegseth said.
He added that Trump remains "patient" and is seeking a "strong deal" to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump said on Friday he would convene advisers in a secure White House setting to make a "final determination" on a proposal to end the Iran war.
Hegseth also pushed back on concerns the conflict would distract from Asia-Pacific priorities.
"We can do two things at one time."
ARMS SALES DECISION TO TAIWAN IS TRUMP'S CALL
In his speech, Hegseth made no mention of Taiwan, a hotspot in relations between the US and China.
When asked about arms sales to the island during questions that followed, Hegseth downplayed concerns that a multi-billion-dollar package could be affected as the US draws down its weapons stockpiles amid the Middle East conflict.
"We feel very good about our stockpiles and how we use them," he said.
Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has been waiting for the US to approve an arms sale that Reuters reported could be worth up to US$14 billion.
Trump sowed uncertainty in Taipei by saying, after meeting China's President Xi Jinping this month, that he was undecided on whether to approve the package.
Any decision on future arms sales would rest with Trump, Hegseth said, signalling no shift in Washington’s longstanding approach despite recent engagement with Beijing.
"Those decisions will depend on the president and the nature of that relationship," Hegseth added. "There’s been no change in our status."
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