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US defense chief addresses regional concerns at Singapore forum
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to ease anxieties among Asia-Pacific allies on Saturday, affirming Washington's commitment to the region despite global military engagements, including the conflict in Iran.
Commitment to Asia remains strong, Hegseth insists
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth dismissed suggestions that the US was neglecting Asia while managing other crises. "People want to conflate global obligations with turning our backs on this region," he said. "We can handle both simultaneously."
Hegseth emphasized a "substantive, serious approach" to the Pacific, citing ongoing collaboration with allies while balancing efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Taiwan arms package suspension raises questions
A participant at the forum raised concerns about the US suspending a $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan to conserve munitions for the Iran war. Hegseth downplayed the link, stating the two issues were "very much decoupled."
He asserted the US remained in a "very strong position" regarding its munitions stockpile and production capacity, though he did not address the Taiwan delay directly.
Hard power over diplomacy, Hegseth argues
In his address, Hegseth prioritized military strength over diplomatic rhetoric, declaring, "Rules are great, but if you can't back them up with hard power, they're not worth the paper they're written on."
"We don't need more conferences-we need more combat power. Less Shangri-La Dialogue, more ships and subs."
Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary
His remarks contrasted with Vietnam's President To Lam, who earlier called for increased dialogue to ease regional tensions.
Call for allies to boost defense spending
Hegseth reiterated his demand for Asian allies to raise military spending to 3.5% of GDP, praising recent increases by South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. He singled out New Zealand as a "freeloader" in response to a question, while also urging NATO members to step up contributions.
Softer tone on China, but concerns persist
Weeks after a summit between Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping, Hegseth adopted a more measured stance on Beijing compared to last year, when he labeled China an "imminent threat" to Taiwan.
This year, he acknowledged "rightful alarm" over China's military expansion but stressed the US sought a "stable equilibrium" rather than confrontation. "Our allies don't want constant escalation," he said, adding that the goal was to prevent any single power-including China-from dominating the region.
China's absence looms over forum
For the second consecutive year, China declined to send its defense minister to the Shangri-La Dialogue, opting for a lower-level delegation instead. Analysts remain divided over whether the move signals a snub or a strategic avoidance of direct confrontation with the US.
