US Defense Secretary Hegseth praises Asian allies for defense burden-sharing at Shangri-La Dialogue
At the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Asian allies—including the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and India—for increasing defense spending and burden-sharing. He warned China against regional hegemony, called for a "favorable but durable balance of power," and criticized European allies for insufficient contributions. The speech signals a strategic U.S. shift toward rewarding allies who meet defense spending benchmarks amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
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US Defense Secretary Hegseth Outlines Indo-Pacific Strategy, Hints at Joint Javelin Production with India
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore (May 29-31, 2026), U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth outlined a new U.S. strategy for the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing a shift from protectorates to partnerships based on shared responsibility. He declared an end to subsidizing wealthy allies' defense, calling for burden-sharing and defense spending of at least 3.5% of GDP. Hegseth announced a historic mobilization of the U.S. defense industrial base, with defense spending set to reach $1 trillion in 2026 and $1.5 trillion in 2027. He invoked the Monroe Doctrine and 'Big Stick' policy, advocating 'peace through strength' and deterrence by denial along the First Island Chain. Notably, Hegseth raised the possibility of joint production of Javelin anti-tank missiles with India. He also praised South Korea and reiterated that the U.S. seeks a stable balance of power in the Pacific where no single nation, including China, can impose hegemony.
Defence24.comUS Defense Secretary Hegseth Outlines Indo-Pacific Strategy, Hints at Joint Javelin Production with India
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore (May 29-31, 2026), U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth outlined a new Indo-Pacific strategy emphasizing burden-sharing and ending 'free rider' security arrangements. Hegseth stated the U.S. needs 'partners, not protectorates' and that allies spending at least 3.5% of GDP on defense can expect accelerated arms sales, deeper industrial cooperation, and expanded intelligence sharing. He announced a historic mobilization of the defense industrial base, with $1 trillion allocated for defense development in 2026 and $1.5 trillion planned for 2027. Hegseth invoked the Monroe Doctrine and 'Big Stick' policy, framing the U.S. as a global policeman. He specifically mentioned the possibility of jointly producing Javelin anti-tank missiles with India. The speech also addressed deterrence against China, stating the U.S. seeks a stable balance of power where no single nation, including China, can impose hegemony in the Pacific. He praised South Korea and other key allies for their defense commitments.
Defence24.comUS Defense Secretary Hegseth Outlines Indo-Pacific Strategy, Hints at Joint Javelin Production with India
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore (May 29-31, 2026), U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a 25-minute speech outlining a new U.S. strategy for the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized a shift from 'protectorates' to 'partners,' ending American subsidization of wealthy allies' defense. Hegseth stressed burden-sharing, stating allies spending at least 3.5% of GDP on defense would receive accelerated arms sales, deeper industrial cooperation, and expanded intelligence sharing. He announced a historic mobilization of the U.S. defense industrial base, with $1 trillion allocated for defense development in 2026 and $1.5 trillion expected in 2027. He invoked 'Peace Through Strength,' the Monroe Doctrine, and Theodore Roosevelt's 'Big Stick' policy, framing the U.S. as a global policeman. Hegseth explicitly mentioned the possibility of jointly producing Javelin anti-tank missiles with India. He also praised South Korea and reiterated that no single power, including China, should impose hegemony in the Pacific.
Defence24.comPentagon Chief Hegseth Urges Asian Allies to Boost Defense Spending to Counter China
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, called on Asian allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's military buildup, warning of 'rightful alarm' over its rapid expansion. He pledged a $1.5 trillion U.S. military investment and stressed the need for a self-reliant allied network, declaring 'the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over.' Hegseth struck a measured tone on U.S.-China relations, noting improved military-to-military communication, while Chinese delegate Zhou Bo described the tone as 'much better' than last year. On the Middle East, Hegseth said the U.S. is ready to resume strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails. He made no mention of Taiwan in his speech.
Defense NewsPentagon Chief Hegseth Urges Asian Allies to Boost Defense Spending to Counter China
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, called on Asian allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's military buildup, warning of 'rightful alarm' over its rapid expansion. He pledged a $1.5 trillion U.S. military investment and stressed the need for a self-reliant alliance network, declaring 'the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over.' Hegseth struck a measured tone on U.S.-China ties, noting improved military-to-military communication. On Iran, he said the U.S. is ready to resume strikes if diplomacy fails. Chinese delegate Zhou Bo described relations as 'complicated' but noted a better tone this year. Hegseth made no mention of Taiwan in his speech.
Defense NewsPentagon chief sounds ‘alarm’ over China’s buildup, urges allies to boost defense spending
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, urged Asian allies to increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's growing power, warning of 'rightful alarm' over its rapid military buildup. He stressed the need for a stronger, more self-reliant alliance network, declaring the era of the U.S. subsidizing wealthy nations' defense is over. Hegseth struck a measured tone on U.S.-China ties, noting improved relations and more frequent military-to-military communication. On the Middle East, he said the U.S. is ready to resume strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails. Hegseth made no mention of Taiwan in his speech. Chinese delegate Zhou Bo described the tone as 'much better' than the previous year.
Military TimesPentagon Chief Hegseth Urges Asian Allies to Boost Defense Spending to Counter China
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, called on Asian allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's military buildup, warning of 'rightful alarm' over Beijing's rapid expansion. He pledged a $1.5 trillion U.S. military investment and declared the end of the era of Washington subsidizing wealthy allies, demanding 'no freeloading.' Hegseth struck a measured tone on U.S.-China ties, noting improved military-to-military communication. On Iran, he said the U.S. is ready to resume strikes if diplomacy fails. Chinese delegate Zhou Bo described relations as 'complicated' but noted a better tone this year. Hegseth made no mention of Taiwan in his speech.
Defense NewsPentagon chief sounds ‘alarm’ over China’s buildup, urges allies to boost defense spending
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, urged Asian allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's growing military power. He warned of 'rightful alarm' over China's rapid military buildup and said a stronger, more self-reliant network of allies is essential to deter aggression. Hegseth echoed President Trump's demand that allies shoulder more defense costs, declaring 'the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over.' He also said the U.S. is ready to resume strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails, and that arms sales decisions to Taiwan are Trump's call. Chinese delegate Zhou Bo described U.S.-China relations as 'complicated' but noted Hegseth struck 'a much better tone' this year.
Military TimesHegseth Seeks to Convince Allies US Should Stay Quiet on Taiwan
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth became the first Pentagon chief in over a decade to avoid mentioning Taiwan in his speech, advocating a 'strong, quiet and clear' policy toward the region. He hailed US-China ties as 'better than they've been in many years,' marking a sharp contrast from his previous year's address. The softer tone came weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump that mishandling Taiwan could lead to superpower clashes. Hegseth said US policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, only the rhetoric has shifted, invoking Theodore Roosevelt's 'speak softly and carry a big stick' approach. A stalled $14 billion arms package to Taiwan remains a key test of policy continuity. Chinese delegates praised the moderate tone, though some expressed wariness over the 'big stick' reference. Taiwan's Defense Minister said the speech emphasized peace and stability.
Fortune | FORTUNEUS Defense Chief Hegseth Urges Asian Allies to Arm Up, Strikes Conciliatory Tone on China at Shangri-La Dialogue
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a stark message to Asian allies: the era of US subsidizing their defense is over, urging them to increase military spending and firepower. In a notable shift from his 2025 appearance, Hegseth adopted a conciliatory tone towards China, calling bilateral relations 'better than in many years' and avoiding mention of Taiwan in his speech. He dismissed the 'rules-based order' rhetoric as hollow without hard power. While praising South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Vietnam for their armament, he labeled New Zealand a 'free rider.' China's defense minister was absent again. The speech drew mixed reactions, pleasing those fearing a US-China conflict but worrying states threatened by China's military buildup.
taz.de - taz.deHegseth praises Asian allies for burden-sharing, warns China against hegemony at Shangri-La Dialogue
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026, praised Asian allies including the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for increasing defense burden-sharing. He warned that China cannot impose its hegemony on US partners and allies, while claiming 'rightful alarm' over China's military buildup. Hegseth demanded allies spend 3.5% of GDP on defense, promising expedited arms sales and intelligence sharing for 'model allies' who comply. He criticized European allies for not pulling their weight, saying 'Europe should take note.' Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) expressed skepticism, arguing the Trump administration's defense strategy downgrades the Indo-Pacific's importance. Hegseth insisted 'America first does not mean America alone' and that the US seeks a 'favorable but durable balance of power' in the region.
US Top News and AnalysisPentagon chief sounds ‘alarm’ over China’s buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026, warned of 'rightful alarm' over China's historic military buildup and urged Asian allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP. He pledged a $1.5 trillion U.S. military investment and stressed that the era of the U.S. subsidizing wealthy nations' defense is over, calling for 'partners, not protectorates.' Hegseth noted that U.S.-China relations have improved, with more frequent military-to-military communication, but reiterated that no state, including China, can impose hegemony in the Pacific. He also stated the U.S. is ready to resume strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails. Chinese delegate Zhou Bo described the tone as 'much better' than the previous year.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Says India is 'Powerful' and Modernizing Its Military at Shangri-La Dialogue
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that India is 'powerful' and modernizing its military, with heavy industrial and logistics capacity to sustain high-end operations. He highlighted India's role in maintaining balance of power, especially in the Indian Ocean, and noted U.S. commitment to co-production with India. Hegseth also assessed defense relations with Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, and Australia, called on nations to invest in their own defense, and said U.S.-China relations are better than in many years under President Donald Trump, but warned that no state, including China, can impose hegemony. The remarks come amid global tensions and uncertainty over U.S. strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.US Defense Secretary Hegseth Warns Against China, Criticizes European Defense Policy at Shangri-La Dialogue
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a dual-pronged address warning against Chinese hegemony in the Indo-Pacific while sharply criticizing European allies for inadequate defense spending. Hegseth stated the US aims to prevent any single state, including China, from dominating the region and destroying the existing balance of power. However, he struck a conciliatory tone toward Beijing, noting US-China relations are 'better than they have been in many years' and that the Trump administration seeks 'stable peace, fair trade and respectful relations.' Hegseth did not address the Taiwan issue directly, though the IISS think tank warned that a Taiwan conflict could escalate to nuclear war. Hegseth also criticized European allies for moralizing and failing to meet defense spending commitments, declaring 'the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over.' He urged Asian partners to increase military capabilities, saying 'less Shangri-La, more ships, more submarines.' China sent only military experts rather than its defense minister to the forum.
Nachrichten - WELTUS Secretary of War Hegseth Hails Asian Partners for Boosting Security Spending
On May 30, 2026, US Secretary of War Hegseth addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue security and defence forum in Singapore, praising Asian partners for increasing their security spending. The speech, reported by The Business Times Singapore, highlights US appreciation for allied contributions to regional defense. The event underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region amid strategic competition.
The Business TimesShangri-La Dialogue 2026: Hegseth Hails Asian Partners for Boosting Security Spending
At the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Asian allies for increasing their security spending, framing it as a response to Washington's call for more equitable burden-sharing. Hegseth emphasized that the US would prioritize working with 'model allies' who have risen to meet this challenge. The speech underscores a strategic shift in US defense policy in the Indo-Pacific, rewarding partners who invest more in their own defense capabilities. The dialogue, a key annual security forum, highlighted growing regional cooperation and the evolving US commitment to the region amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning China's military assertiveness.
The Business TimesUS' Hegseth Hails Asian Partners for Boosting Security Spending, Omits Taiwan at Shangri-La Dialogue
At the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue security forum on May 30, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Asian partner nations for increasing their security and defense expenditures. In his address, Hegseth conducted a roll call of regional allies and partners but notably omitted Taiwan from the list. The omission is significant given ongoing tensions over Taiwan's status and US policy regarding the island. The speech underscored Washington's emphasis on burden-sharing among allies in the Indo-Pacific region while signaling a potential shift in rhetorical posture toward Taiwan. The forum, held annually in Singapore, serves as a key platform for defense diplomacy in Asia.
The Business TimesHegseth Hails Asian Partners for Boosting Security Spending
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking in Singapore, praised Asian allies for increasing their defense spending in response to Washington's call for a more equitable sharing of security burdens. Hegseth emphasized that the United States will prioritize cooperation with 'model allies' who have stepped up their contributions. The remarks were made during a regional security forum, highlighting the US strategy to strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific amid growing geopolitical tensions. The article underscores the US commitment to rebalancing security responsibilities with allies in Asia.
The Business TimesHegseth hails Asian partners for boosting security spending
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking in Singapore, praised Asian allies for increasing their defense spending in response to Washington's call for more equitable burden-sharing. Under the Trump administration, the US is demanding allies take greater responsibility for their own security needs. Hegseth emphasized that the US will prioritize cooperation with 'model allies' who have risen to this challenge, signaling a shift in US defense policy towards rewarding partners who meet spending benchmarks. The remarks were made during a regional security forum, highlighting ongoing US efforts to recalibrate its alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
The Business TimesUS Hegseth Hails Asian Partners for Security Spending, Omits Taiwan in Roll Call
On May 30, 2026, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. He praised Asian partner nations for increasing their security and defense spending, highlighting their contributions to regional stability. However, in a notable omission, Hegseth did not include Taiwan in his roll call of regional partners. The omission is significant given ongoing tensions over Taiwan's status and US policy regarding the island. The speech underscores the US focus on burden-sharing among allies while carefully navigating the sensitive Taiwan issue in diplomatic settings. The article from The Business Times Singapore reports on this development at the annual defense summit.
The Business Times