Seoul: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Saturday for Asian allies to increase their defense spending and do their part as "force multipliers," as he portrayed China's evolving threats as "real" and potentially "imminent," and warned against economic "entanglement" with the Asian superpower. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defense forum in Singapore, Hegseth also reassured allies and partners of America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and vowed to increase the United States' focus on the region, which he called a "priority theater."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth's remarks came amid lingering concerns that President Donald Trump's America First policy might lead to a scaling back of the U.S.' costly overseas security engagements in the midst of increasingly complicated challenges from China, North Korea, Russia, and others. Hegseth referenced NATO's defense spending as a model, suggesting that Asian allies should follow Europe's lead, where NATO members are pledging to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense.
Hegseth emphasized the necessity of adjusting defense spending to reflect current threats, stating, "Deterrence does not come cheap," and urging for urgent action. There is speculation that the Trump administration might call for a rise in South Korea's share of the cost for stationing U.S. Forces Korea, as Trump has previously noted insufficient "reimbursement" for America's military protection of its Asian ally.
Hegseth highlighted the need for U.S. allies to contribute to countering Chinese threats, urging allies to engage in honest and realistic conversations about defense responsibilities. He reassured that the U.S. remains loyal to its allies and partners, emphasizing mutual participation as essential for lasting alliances.
The secretary reiterated the concept of "America First" not equating to "America alone," asking for allies to work as "force multipliers" alongside the U.S. in response to shared threats. Hegseth reassured Indo-Pacific allies of America's unwavering commitment to fostering peace, stability, prosperity, and security in the region.
Hegseth also warned against economic dependence on China, which he argued could deepen China's influence and complicate decision-making during conflicts. He condemned China's threats against Taiwan and in the South China Sea, asserting that China's military ambitions and tactics signal a desire to alter the regional status quo.
While Hegseth stressed that the U.S. does not seek conflict with China, he made it clear that maintaining peace requires strength to prevent Chinese dominance. He emphasized America's continued presence in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring shared visions of peace and security with regional partners.