U.S. Defense Secretary Advocates Increased Military Spending at Shangri-La Dialogue

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, urging Asian allies to increase military investments in response to China’s significant military expansion. While Hegseth prominently discussed China’s growing military power, he notably did not reference Taiwan during his Saturday speech.

Hegseth’s speech followed President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. The meeting was deemed successful by both parties. Despite improved U.S.-China relations, Hegseth highlighted concerns over China’s military maneuvers in the region.

“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” Hegseth remarked to attendees including military officials and diplomats. This was Hegseth’s second appearance at the defense forum, where he previously characterized China as striving to assert dominance in Asia.

Trump’s visit to Beijing raised apprehensions about potential changes in U.S. support for Taiwan. The president suggested that arms sales to Taiwan might serve as leverage in negotiations with China. Subsequently, arms sales were reportedly paused amid the conflict in Iran, seeking clarification on both Taiwan and Iran.

Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, commented that Hegseth’s address lacked substantial details. Hegseth downplayed concerns regarding Taiwan, asserting sufficient U.S. stockpile and no alterations to existing arms sales policy. On Iran, he reiterated the necessity of a favorable agreement preventing nuclear weapon acquisition.

Despite improved U.S.-China relations, long-term strategic competition persists. Smaller Southeast Asian countries, according to Vietnam’s President To Lam, find themselves caught between major powers, with unchecked competition posing significant risks.

Observers noted the absence of a clear strategy for mitigating U.S.-China tensions, with Hegseth emphasizing themes of dominance and power. Zhou Bo, a retired senior colonel in China’s air force, observed the speech as more moderate compared to the previous year, highlighting the endorsement of U.S.-China strategic partnership.

China, for the second consecutive year, did not send its defense minister, opting instead for a delegation of military experts and scholars. Jasmine Ling contributed insights to this report.