US not ‘turning back’ on Asia allies, but expects them to boost defence, says Hegseth
US Not ‘Turning Back’ on Asia Allies, but Seeks Greater Defense Spending, Says Hegseth
US not turning back on Asia – During a pivotal address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the nation’s military focus remains steadfast in the Asia-Pacific region, even as it addresses global challenges like the conflict in Iran. Hegseth sought to reassure regional partners of the United States’ enduring commitment to the area, highlighting its role in maintaining strategic stability and fulfilling international defense obligations. His remarks followed weeks of diplomatic engagement, including the recent Xi-Trump summit in Beijing, where tensions and cooperation were both on display.
Global Obligations and Regional Priorities
Hegseth clarified that the U.S. military’s engagement in global conflicts does not equate to a diminished focus on Asia. He underscored the importance of balancing worldwide responsibilities with regional priorities, noting that the United States is actively working to uphold its alliances while managing the Iran war. This dual approach was central to his message, as he addressed concerns about the nation’s ability to maintain consistent defense support amid rising global demands.
A key point of discussion was the suspension of a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, which had raised questions about the U.S. commitment to its allies. Hegseth decoupled this decision from broader regional support, asserting that the United States remains in a strong position to meet its defense needs. He explained that the pause in the Taiwan deal was a strategic move to conserve munitions for the war in Iran, while ensuring continued military cooperation with Asian partners.
Strategic Balance and China’s Influence
While acknowledging China’s growing military presence in the region, Hegseth emphasized the U.S. desire to avoid unnecessary confrontations. He described the approach as one of “measured and deliberate strength,” combining robust military capabilities with diplomatic engagement. This strategy was contrasted with last year’s more aggressive tone, where he had directly warned of an “imminent threat” to Taiwan from Beijing. This year, he acknowledged the “rightful alarm” over China’s military buildup but noted the region’s allies aim for a balanced power structure rather than constant escalation.
Hegseth also reiterated the U.S. stance on defense spending, urging Asian partners to allocate more resources to their military capabilities. He set a target of 3.5% of GDP for defense budgets, citing progress by countries like South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. However, he criticized “freeloaders,” naming New Zealand among those who had not met the expected contribution levels. In response, New Zealand’s defense minister later clarified that the country was moving beyond its “historic under-investment” and increasing spending to 2% of GDP.
Soft Power and Hard Power in Action
Hegseth framed the U.S. strategy as a blend of assertive military presence and diplomatic outreach. He called for a “strong, quiet and clear” approach, one that wields a “big stick” through military readiness but “speaks softly” to foster collaboration. This method, he argued, ensures that the rules-based international order is not merely symbolic but backed by tangible power. “Rules are great, but if you can’t back them up with hard power, the rules are not worth the paper they are written on,” Hegseth stated in a
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He also voiced a preference for increased combat power over prolonged discussions, suggesting that “we need more ships and more subs” rather than additional conferences. This sentiment aligns with the U.S. goal of maintaining a “genuinely stable equilibrium” in the region, where no single nation—whether China or others—can dominate through unchecked influence. “We do not approach this challenge with needless confrontation but with the posture of measured and deliberate strength,” he said, reinforcing the importance of strategic patience.
Regional Dialogue and the Shangri-La Forum
The Shangri-La Dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, has historically served as a platform for U.S. and Chinese leadership to engage on regional security issues. Hegseth’s speech came amid discussions about the need for more dialogue to resolve tensions, particularly after Vietnam’s President To Lam called for collaborative efforts in his keynote address. While the forum promotes open communication, Hegseth highlighted the U.S. focus on practical defense measures, arguing that rhetoric alone is insufficient without corresponding action.
The debate over defense spending and regional commitments reflects broader concerns about the U.S. ability to sustain its global presence. Hegseth acknowledged that some allies might perceive the nation’s focus on Iran and other international theaters as a shift in priorities, but he denied any intention to weaken ties with Asia. “People want to conflate global obligations with turning our backs on this region,” he said, stressing that the U.S. remains “quietly but very strongly” aligned with its Asian partners.
His remarks also addressed the suspension of the Taiwan arms package, which had sparked questions about U.S. consistency. Hegseth argued that this decision was not a sign of reduced support but rather a strategic allocation of resources. “We can do two things at one time,” he insisted, highlighting the U.S. capacity to manage multiple defense initiatives simultaneously. This included a “substantive, serious approach” to Pacific security while maintaining commitments to global threats like Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Hegseth’s speech illustrated a nuanced U.S. strategy in the Asia-Pacific, where military strength and diplomatic engagement are both essential. By setting a clear defense spending target and emphasizing the importance of hard power, he sought to align his allies with the U.S. vision of a stable and secure region. His comments also signaled a more diplomatic tone toward China compared to previous years, as he avoided direct references to Taiwan in his address and focused instead on broader regional stability.
The U.S. defense strategy, Hegseth argued, is rooted in preventing any single power from imposing hegemony. This approach ensures that the region’s peace and prosperity are preserved through a balance of forces. “We want to preserve the conditions that have long underwritten peace and prosperity in this region,” he added, underscoring the importance of sustained military presence and alliance coordination. His message aimed to reassure Asian partners that the United States remains a reliable and active player in the region’s security architecture, even as it addresses challenges beyond its borders.
In conclusion, Hegseth’s address at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlighted the U.S. commitment to Asia while managing global responsibilities. By framing the defense strategy as one of measured strength and balanced action, he sought to address concerns about the nation’s priorities and encourage greater investment from allies. The forum, with its tradition of fostering dialogue between major powers, provided a platform for these discussions, ensuring that the Asia-Pacific remains a focal point of U.S. strategic interests despite the demands of global conflicts.