Hegseth Calls Asian Allies to Boost Defense Spending Against China, May 31

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Asian defense leaders at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30-31 that allies must increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China’s military expansion. Hegseth struck a more measured tone than last year, saying US-China relations are “better than they’ve been in many years” while warning that a China-dominated Pacific would destabilize the region. The shift reflects improved ties after President Trump’s recent Beijing summit.

Hegseth’s Call for Higher Defense Budgets

Hegseth urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to offset China’s power and prevent regional dominance. He said there is “rightful alarm” about China’s military buildup and expansion across the Asia-Pacific. The US pledged a $1.5 trillion investment in its own military and expects partners to commit 3.5% of their GDP to defense spending. Singapore’s Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing hosted 31 visiting defense ministers at the dialogue, including representatives from Australia and Japan, to discuss long-term defense investment and industrial capacity building.

Softer Tone on China Relations

Hegseth’s speech marked a significant shift from his 2025 remarks, when he criticized China for seeking hegemony and harassing Taiwan. This year, he said relations are “better than they’ve been in many years” and emphasized military-to-military communication to manage tensions. He did not mention Taiwan in his speech, a notable absence given it remains a major point of contention between Washington and Beijing. Chinese officials in attendance said Hegseth struck “a much better tone” than previously, attributing the change to Trump’s diplomatic approach.

Reassuring Allies on US Commitment

Hegseth denied that the US is “turning our backs” on Asia while managing global obligations, including the Iran war. He stated the US can fulfill both Pacific defense partnerships and other military commitments simultaneously. When asked about the suspended $14 billion Taiwan arms package, Hegseth said he would “very much decouple” that issue from overall munitions capacity. He emphasized the US maintains a “very strong position” in munitions stockpiles despite shortages of critical munitions like THAAD interceptors, which cost $12 million each.

New US Defense Strategy for the Pacific

The 2026 US National Defense Strategy shifts from a dependency model to true partnership, grounded in national interests rather than idealistic values. Hegseth said the era of performative outrage is over and the US will be intentional about security communication. This approach aims to leave America stronger, allies more capable, and the Pacific more stable. Singapore’s Chan noted that countries must build trust as defense spending rises to prevent one nation’s security gains from making others feel less secure.

Final Thoughts

Hegseth’s measured approach signals a shift in US policy toward pragmatic partnership over confrontation in Asia. With Taiwan arms sales paused and munitions production strained by the Iran war, Asian allies face pressure to self-fund defense while the US balances multiple global commitments.

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