US not 'turning back' on Asia allies, but expects them to boost defence, Hegseth says
BBC Asia reports US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the US is not 'turning back' on its Asian allies but expects them to boost defence spending. Hegseth also warned against China's bid for hegemony in the region.
BBC AsiaBBC Asia reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered Washington's message of commitment to allies in Asia at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Hegseth said the US is not 'turning back' on the Indo-Pacific region but expects allies including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Australia to allocate a larger share of GDP to defence.
In his speech, Hegseth said that China 'cannot impose hegemony alone in the region', referencing freedom of navigation at sea, stability in the Taiwan Strait and the rules-based international order. Asked about new arms deals, he said 'specific packages are being actively evaluated'. The Chinese delegation softened its tone relatively and criticised 'bloc confrontation' driven by 'certain countries'.
The trajectory of Washington-Beijing ties after the Xi-Trump summit, together with Beijing's response to Hegseth's remarks, is expected to shape regional security architecture debates. This article is reporting that gives different parties equal weight and does not constitute investment or political advice.
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