US Secretary of War Hegses stated on the 30th that if the Pacific region is dominated by any single hegemon, it will disrupt the regional balance of power. US President Trump believes in assisting those countries that are willing to help themselves and put effort into their own security.
The 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue is being held in Singapore from the 29th to the 31st. Hegses delivered a speech titled “The US Peace Strategy in the Indo-Pacific.”
According to Central News Agency reports, during his remarks, Hegses mentioned that all parties are concerned about China’s military expansion and its military activities in the region. “We have a clear and pragmatic assessment of the current security environment and share the recognition that if the Pacific region is dominated by any single hegemon, it will disrupt the regional balance of power and undermine the equilibrium we have jointly strived to maintain.”
Hegses referred to South Korea’s continued investment in its own national defense, noting that it does not treat war as mere theoretical discussion or academic debate; South Korea is on the front lines and must build a truly operational military capability. The US expects the same from its Japanese allies, with both sides bearing joint responsibility to further strengthen the alliance.
● “America First” Does Not Mean “America Acts Alone”
Hegses emphasized: “Allies unwilling to shoulder responsibility for our common defense will clearly feel a change in the mode of cooperation. President Trump believes the US should assist those countries willing to help themselves and invest in their own security.”
He said, “‘America First’ does not mean ‘America acts alone,’ but rather a pragmatic approach to engagement in international affairs, with a clear focus on safeguarding vital US national interests.”
In response to attendee questions regarding arms sales to Taiwan, Hegses replied that the United States is currently in a very strong position and will only become stronger in the future. Any decision on arms sales ultimately depends on President Trump’s final decision as well as the overall context of the relationship. “We are very comfortable with our stockpiles.” Referring to the Trump-Xi summit, he stated, “Our position there has not changed at all.”
At last year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegses pointed out that the US does not seek conflict with China but cannot ignore China’s attempt to alter the regional status quo. Should the CCP attempt to take Taiwan by force, it would bring catastrophic consequences to the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. He also stated that the US is always ready to stand with any country to jointly uphold the peace.