During the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of U.S. alliances in the Asia-Pacific, highlighting the need for countries like the Philippines, Australia, and India to increase their military readiness. He warned China against disrupting the regional status quo, expressing concerns over its military buildup.
Hegseth stated that the U.S. seeks a 'favorable but durable balance of power' and criticized European allies for not contributing sufficiently to regional security. He called for a defense spending commitment of 3.5% of GDP from allies and indicated that those who do not meet this expectation may face changes in U.S. support.
This approach reflects a shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, focusing on burden-sharing among allies while maintaining a strong stance against perceived threats from China