US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pledged to strengthen America’s Asian alliances against the growing threat of China. In a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized the importance of joint defense efforts with Indo-Pacific allies and vowed to increase cooperation on military production, training, and deterrence.
Hegseth’s comments came as President Trump’s tariffs and scorn for Western allies have created uncertainty in the region. However, Hegseth sought to reassure Asian leaders that the US commitment to its Indo-Pacific allies remains unwavering.
“We will continue to wrap our arms around our friends and find new ways to work together,” Hegseth said. “The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent.”
Hegseth’s approach echoes that of his predecessor Lloyd J. Austin III, who outlined a similar strategy last year at the same forum. The US defense secretary described efforts to disperse US forces and abilities more widely through the region, including the recent deployment of uncrewed anti-ship missile batteries to the Philippines.
Analysts say Hegseth’s comments reflect a bipartisan consensus on urgent concern about China’s military growth and a recognition that America can deter China only with its allies. However, Chinese scholars have expressed surprise at his tone, describing it as “very confrontational” and “very unfriendly.”
Despite this, Hegseth seemed eager to reassure allies that Mr. Trump’s approach includes an important place for Asia. He cited recent upgrades to the US-Japan command structure and increased sharing of technology.
“We want to empower you as partners, not dependents, to work more capably with the United States,” Hegseth said. “America first certainly does not mean America alone.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/world/asia/hegseth-security-allies-china.html