Pete Hegseth Urges Asian Nations to Increase Military Spending Amid 'Imminent' China Threat
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, called on Asian countries to boost military spending in response to Chinese military activities near Taiwan. He emphasized the need for enhanced regional deterrence and stronger alliances. China maintains its exercises are routine and defensive, while the US continues to support Taiwan's self-defence and peaceful cross-strait relations.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent security summit held in Singapore, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth addressed representatives from Asian nations, urging them to increase their military budgets. Hegseth cited recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan as evidence of heightened preparedness by China, which he described as a potential threat to regional stability. He encouraged governments in the region to invest further in defence capabilities and to deepen their military alliances, both with the United States and with each other, to strengthen deterrence against possible aggression. China has responded by stating that its military activities in the Taiwan Strait are routine and intended for defensive purposes. The United States has reiterated its policy of supporting Taiwan's ability to defend itself and has called for all parties to seek a peaceful resolution to issues across the Taiwan Strait. The context of these statements is ongoing tension between China and Taiwan, with the US playing a significant role in regional security arrangements. The Shangri-La Dialogue serves as a key forum for defence officials to discuss security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.