Overview
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the Shangri‑La Dialogue to tell Asian allies they should raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP and announced a $1.5 trillion U.S. military investment to support that shift.
- He warned of “rightful alarm” over China’s historic military buildup while stressing the United States seeks a stable balance of power rather than needless confrontation.
- Hegseth framed policy as demanding partners, not protectorates, and said countries that meet U.S. expectations will receive expedited arms sales, deeper industrial ties and expanded intelligence sharing.
- He made clear that any final decision on future U.S. arms sales to Taiwan will rest with President Donald Trump, keeping the choice at the presidential level.
- On the sidelines he held meetings with Japan, Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand, promoted co‑production with capable partners such as India, and noted increased military‑to‑military contact with China while Beijing again sent a lower‑level delegation.