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U.S. Secretary of War Hegesus has urged Asian allies to increase military spending in response to China’s growing power, in order to prevent Beijing from gaining regional dominance.
According to Central News Agency, the “Shangri-La Dialogue” is being held in Singapore from May 29 to 31. In his speech on the 30th, Hegesus stated: “Stronger and more self-sufficient allies are the key to deterrence.”
He said: “Concerns are fully justified regarding China’s unprecedented military expansion and its expanding military activities both regionally and globally.”
“If any hegemon dominates the Pacific, it will undermine the regional balance of power. No country, including China, can establish a hegemony that threatens our country and our allies’ security.”
Hegesus pointed out that the U.S. hopes Asian allies and partners will raise their defense spending to 3.5% of their gross domestic product (GDP); at the same time, the U.S. also pledges to invest $1.5 trillion to strengthen its own military.
He told the audience that allies are seeking stability, not escalation.
“What they want, and what the U.S. can offer, is a disciplined force, unwavering resolve, and confident leadership that speaks boldly yet wisely, backed by strength.”
Hegesus also said U.S.-China relations are “better now than at any time in recent years,” and noted increased military exchanges between the two sides: “By maintaining open lines of communication, meetings between our militaries and the Chinese military have become more frequent.”
● U.S. Continues to Press Allies to Raise Defense Spending
Since President Trump returned to the White House, the U.S. has continued to press allies to increase defense spending, and has explicitly called for European and NATO allies to reduce their dependence on Washington.
Hegesus said: “The era of the U.S. subsidizing the defense of wealthy countries is over. What we need are partners, not protectorates. Without everyone sharing the burden, there will be no strong alliance. No one can hitch a free ride anymore.”