U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, urging Asian allies to increase military expenditure in response to China’s military expansion. Notably, he did not reference Taiwan during this key regional defense summit.
Hegseth’s appearance followed a successful summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. The Defense Secretary described U.S.-China relations as the best in years but expressed concern over China’s military actions. He warned that a dominant Pacific power could disrupt regional balance.
This marks Hegseth’s second appearance at the forum, where he reiterated views on China’s aspirations in Asia and its impact on regional stability. Last year, he criticized China’s treatment of Taiwan, which Beijing claims, emphasizing military harassment.
Recent presidential comments regarding Taiwan raised regional concerns about U.S. support. Trump suggested arms sales to Taiwan were a strategic bargaining tool with China. Subsequently, a senior U.S. official announced a pause in arms sales due to conflict in Iran.
Critics, including Ankit Panda from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted the lack of substantial detail in Hegseth’s speech. When questioned, Hegseth mentioned stockpiled U.S. weapons and emphasized that future sales depend on President Trump’s decisions.
Regarding the Middle East, Hegseth echoed Trump’s stance that any U.S. deal would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, with readiness to resume strikes if necessary.
Despite improved U.S.-China relations, the two nations remain strategic competitors, leaving smaller Southeast Asian countries feeling caught between them. Vietnam’s President To Lam highlighted the risks of unchecked competition, which could lead to conflict.
Hegseth provided no roadmap for easing U.S.-China tensions, with his speech focusing on themes of military strength. Panda critiqued the lack of clarity on achieving peace with China.
China sent a lower-level delegation instead of its defense minister to the forum. Zhou Bo, a retired senior colonel from the Chinese air force, observed Hegseth’s moderate tone regarding U.S.-China relations compared to previous statements.
Zhou noted the importance of Hegseth’s acknowledgment of mutual strategic partnership goals agreed upon by Trump and Xi, recognizing China’s equal power.
Jasmine Ling contributed additional insights to the report.