The US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, has urged Asian nations to enhance their military spending to bolster regional deterrence against China, which he claims is “rehearsing for the real deal” regarding a potential takeover of Taiwan. Speaking at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth underscored the importance of US military presence in the Indo-Pacific and introduced several new joint military initiatives, including plans to expand access to military ship and aircraft repair services, particularly in Australia.
During his address, Hegseth stressed the need for US allies in the Indo-Pacific to upgrade their own defenses, stating, “It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. There’s no reason to sugar coat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent.” His comments highlight a pressing need for countries in the region to take proactive steps in enhancing their military capabilities.
Hegseth drew a parallel with the Trump administration’s efforts to encourage European nations to increase their defensive spending, suggesting that it is now time for Asian countries to follow suit. He remarked, “Deterrence doesn’t come on the cheap … time is of the essence.” He pointed out that the renewed focus on European security, especially in light of the Russia-Ukraine war, allows the US to concentrate on its “priority theatre” in the Indo-Pacific.
While emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Hegseth clarified that the US does not intend to pressure Asian countries into adopting specific policies or ideologies. “We’re not here to preach to you about climate change or cultural issues,” he stated. Instead, the focus is on working together where shared interests align for peace and prosperity. He reassured attendees that the US does not seek conflict with Communist China and respects the nation’s civilization.
In a pointed remark, Hegseth noted the absence of any senior Chinese delegate at this year’s conference, stating, “We are here this morning and, notably, someone else isn’t.” This comment underscores the growing tensions and the geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. He also addressed remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing that alliances must not appear one-sided to maintain stability.
Looking ahead, Hegseth announced that the US would conduct its “first-ever live-fire test of its mid-range capability system in Australia” in the coming months. He emphasized the expansion of cooperative efforts and joint military exercises, alongside establishing repair capabilities and capacity programs in the region. This includes enhancements for P-8 radar systems in Australia and increased contracts for regional ship repairs.
In response to Hegseth’s remarks, US Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed that while his comments about maintaining a US presence in the Indo-Pacific were appreciated, they could come across as patronizing. “I’ve gotta say his idea that we’re going to wrap ourselves around you – we don’t need that kind of language. We just need to stand together,” she remarked. Duckworth reiterated that the US is not asking nations to choose between the US and China, but rather to uphold international norms collectively.
Overall, Hegseth's address at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlights the critical need for enhanced military preparedness in the Indo-Pacific as tensions with China continue to rise, while also fostering collaborative efforts among regional allies.
