At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Asian countries to increase their defense budgets amid rising tensions in the region. He warned that China could be preparing for military action against Taiwan, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening deterrence.
“The threat from China is real and could be imminent,” Hegseth said. “Deterrence doesn’t come cheap—and time is running out.”
Hegseth also announced an expanded U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes new joint initiatives such as increased military repair programs in Australia, aimed at bolstering regional security.
Comparing Asia’s situation with Europe’s, Hegseth urged Asian nations to share the defense burden more evenly. He pointed to Europe’s increased military spending, driven in part by pressure from past U.S. administrations, as a model for Asia.
According to a recent study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), military spending in Asia is already rising. Countries in the region currently allocate about 1.5% of their GDP to defense, and this figure is growing steadily.
Hegseth revealed plans for the first live-fire missile test in Australia by U.S. forces. The U.S. also intends to expand ship and aircraft repair capacities across the Indo-Pacific. New support hubs for P-8 radar systems will further strengthen operational readiness.
While emphasizing cooperation based on shared interests, Hegseth stressed that the U.S. respects China’s history but will not allow itself to be pushed out of the critical Indo-Pacific region. He pointedly noted China’s absence of a top official at the summit, saying, “We’re here—and someone else is not.”
Some critics reacted to Hegseth’s remarks by highlighting the importance of a bipartisan approach. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth stressed that the U.S. presence in Asia is supported across political lines. She also noted that while the previous administration moved quickly on defense matters, it often lacked a long-term strategy.
“We don’t need to be wrapped around,” Duckworth said, calling for mutual respect and collaboration in the region.