Pentagon Chief Warns Over China Military Buildup, Calls on Asian Allies to Increase Defence Spending

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Asian allies on Saturday that China’s rapid military expansion is becoming a growing concern for regional security, urging countries in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen their defence spending and military readiness.

Speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Hegseth said there is “rightful alarm” over what he described as China’s historic military buildup and increasing military activity across the region.

He warned that if one country dominates the Pacific, it could damage the balance of power that has helped maintain regional stability for years.

“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” Hegseth said, adding that no country, including China, should be allowed to control the security or prosperity of other nations.

US Urges Asian Allies to Raise Defence Spending

Hegseth called on Asian partners to increase defence spending to around 3.5% of GDP, saying stronger regional military capabilities are necessary to deter aggression.

He said the United States plans to invest nearly $1.5 trillion into its own military while expecting allies to take greater responsibility for their security.

Pete Hegseth Says Era of ‘Freeloading’ Is Over

Echoing President Donald Trump’s long standing position, Hegseth said wealthy countries should no longer rely too heavily on Washington for defence.

“The era of the United States subsidizing the defence of wealthy nations is over,” he said. “We need partners, not protectorates. No freeloading.”

He praised countries such as South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan for increasing defence efforts, while saying Tokyo and Washington must continue sharing responsibilities equally.

US-China Relations, Taiwan Arms Sales and Iran Policy

Despite his warning on China, Hegseth said military communication between Washington and Beijing has improved in recent years, helping reduce tensions through direct contact between military officials.

Chinese delegate Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University and former People’s Liberation Army colonel, described relations between both countries as “complicated” but said communication channels remain open.

On Taiwan, Hegseth said there has been no change in U.S. policy regarding arms sales, although the final decision on a package reportedly worth up to $14 billion remains with President Trump.

He also said the United States is ready to restart strikes on Iran if diplomatic talks fail.