US Defense Secretary Warns of Rising China Threat, Urges Asian Allies to Boost Military Spending
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, warned of an increasing threat from China and called on Indo-Pacific allies to raise their defense budgets in response to Beijing's actions.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major security forum held in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth emphasized that the United States considers the Indo-Pacific a top strategic priority. He stated that China represents a significant and increasing threat to regional stability. In his remarks, Hegseth urged allied nations in the Indo-Pacific to increase their defense spending to better address security challenges posed by China's activities. The call for higher military budgets comes amid ongoing tensions in areas such as the South China Sea and concerns over China's military modernization and regional influence. The Trump administration has consistently highlighted the importance of strengthening alliances and partnerships in the region to maintain a balance of power and deter potential aggression.