US defence secretary urges military build-up over ‘imminent’ China threat
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Pentagon chief warns of imminent China threat, pushes Asian allies to hike defence spending
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday that the threat from China was real and potentially imminent. His comments on allies needing to increase spending is likely to cause consternation amongst partners. In February, he warned Europe against treating America like a “sucker” While delivering the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron said Heg seth was justified in asking Europe to increase its own defence spending. Heg Seth: “It doesn’t make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies in Asia spend less on defence in the face of an even more formidable threat, not to mention North Korea” HegSETH: “We would much prefer that the balance of European investment be on that continent, so that as we’re able to use our comparative advantage as an Indo-Pacific nation, that we will continue to do we’reable to support our partners here,” he said in response to a question after his speech at the forum.
Summary In defence forum debut, Hegseth calls for Asian allies to step up
Speech could cause consternation among allies
Pentagon chief has blasted European allies in past for not spending enough
SINGAPORE, May 31 (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday that the threat from China was real and potentially imminent as he pushed allies in the Indo-Pacific to spend more on their own defence needs.
Hegseth, speaking for the first time at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s premier forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats, underlined that the Indo-Pacific region was a priority for the Trump administration.
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“There’s no reason to sugar coat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” Hegseth said, in some of his strongest comments on the Communist nation since he took office in January. He added that any attempt by China to conquer Taiwan “would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world”, and echoed Trump’s comment that China will not invade Taiwan on the president’s watch.
China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to “reunify” with the democratic and separately governed island, by force if necessary. It has stepped up military and political pressure to assert those claims, including increasing the intensity of war games around Taiwan.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future.
“It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo Pacific,” Hegseth said.
But his comments on allies needing to increase spending is likely to cause consternation amongst partners, even though experts said Hegseth would face a relatively friendly audience in Singapore. China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun has decided to skip the major Asian security forum and Beijing has sent only an academic delegation.
Hegseth has previously taken aim at allies in Europe for not spending more on their own defence. In February, he warned Europe against treating America like a “sucker” while addressing a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
On Friday, while delivering the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron said Hegseth was justified in asking Europe to increase its own defence spending.
“It’s hard to believe, a little bit, after some trips to Europe that I’m saying this, but thanks to President Trump, Asian allies should look to countries in Europe as a new found example,” Hegseth said.
“NATO members are pledging to spend 5% of their GDP on defence, even Germany. So it doesn’t make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies in Asia spend less on defence in the face of an even more formidable threat, not to mention North Korea.”
‘PATRONISING’
U.S. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, who is co-leading a bi-partisan delegation to the Shangri-la Dialogue, said it was noteworthy that Hegseth emphasised that the United States was committed to the region, but his language on allies was not helpful.
“I thought it was patronising of our friends in the Indo-Pacific in particular,” Duckworth said.
Spending on weapons and research is spiking among some Asian countries as they respond to a darkening security outlook by broadening their outside industrial partnerships while trying to boost their own defence industries, according to a new study by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, the organisation that runs the Shangri-La Dialogue.
The spike comes even as Asian nations spent an average of 1.5% of GDP on defence in 2024, a figure that has kept relatively constant over the last decade, it said.
Hegseth suggested that allies in Europe focus on security on the European continent, so that Washington could focus on the threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific, alongside more participation by allies in Asia.
“We would much prefer that the overwhelming balance of European investment be on that continent, so that as we partner there, which we will continue to do, we’re able to use our comparative advantage as an Indo-Pacific nation to support our partners here,” he said in response to a question after his speech.
But some of the Trump administration’s early moves in the Indo-Pacific have raised eyebrows. The U.S. moved air defence systems from Asia to the Middle East earlier this year as tensions with Iran spiked – an effort that took 73 C-17 flights.
Hegseth, a former Fox TV host who has spent much of his first months in office focused on domestic issues, spoke to the international audience on topics that he has frequently talked about when in the United States, like “restoring the warrior ethos.”
“We are not here to pressure other countries to embrace or adopt our politics or ideology. We are not here to preach to you about climate change or cultural issues,” Hegseth said. “We respect you, your traditions and your militaries. And we want to work with you where our shared interests align.”
Reporting by Idrees Ali. Additional reporting by Jun Yuan Yong; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan
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Hegseth urges Asian allies to boost defense spending, do ‘their part’ in face of ‘real’ China threats
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defense forum in Singapore. His remarks came amid lingering concerns that President Donald Trump’s America First policy might lead to a scaling back of the U.S.’ costly overseas security engagements. “Time is of the essence. We must step up and move out with urgency,” he said. He also warned against economic “entanglement” with China, calling it a “real” and “imminent” threat. Heg Seth: “We will stand with you and work alongside you to deter Chinese aggression” in the Indo-Pacific region, which he called a “priority theater” Heg seth’s remarks appeared to mark a subtle shift from the Trump administration’s focus on some members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that the president once called “delinquent” The secretary reiterated that “America First” does not mean “America alone,” as he requested that U.s. allies and partners work as “force multipliers” alongside the U.-S. in the midst of shared threats.
SINGAPORE, May 31 (Yonhap) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Saturday for Asian allies to increase their defense spending and do their part as “force multipliers,” as he portrayed China’s evolving threats as “real” and potentially “imminent,” and warned against economic “entanglement” with the Asian superpower.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defense forum in Singapore, Hegseth also reassured allies and partners of America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific and vowed to increase the United States’ focus on the region, which he called a “priority theater.”
His remarks came amid lingering concerns that President Donald Trump’s America First policy might lead to a scaling back of the U.S.’ costly overseas security engagements in the midst of increasingly complicated challenges from China, North Korea, Russia and others.
“It is hard to believe a little bit, after some trips to Europe that I am saying this, but thanks to President Trump, Asian allies should look to countries in Europe as a newfound example. NATO members are pledging to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense, even Germany,” he said. GDP is short for gross domestic product.
“It doesn’t make sense for countries in Europe to do that, while key allies and partners in Asia spend less on defense in the face of an even more formidable threat, not to mention North Korea.”
His remarks appeared to mark a subtle shift from the Trump administration’s focus on some members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that the president once called “delinquent.”
This photo, taken on May 30, 2025, shows U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. (Yonhap)
Hegseth stressed that defense spending should reflect “the dangers and threats we face today.”
“Deterrence does not come cheap,” he said. “Time is of the essence. We must step up and move out with urgency.”
Speculation has persisted that the Trump administration might call for a rise in South Korea’s share of the cost for stationing the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea. Trump has said that America was not sufficiently “reimbursed” for what he called its “big-time” military protection of the Asian ally.
Hegseth highlighted the need for U.S. allies to do their part to help counter Chinese threats.
“We ask — indeed, we insist — that our allies and partners do their part on defense. Sometimes, that means having uncomfortable and tough conversations. Partners owe it to each other to be honest and realistic … This is the essence of a pragmatic, common-sense defense policy,” Hegseth said.
“But you will also see that we are — and will remain — loyal to our allies and partners … In fact, the only way to ensure lasting alliances and partnerships is to make sure each side does its part and see the benefit.”
The secretary reiterated that “America First” does not mean “America alone,” as he requested that U.S. allies and partners work as “force multipliers” alongside the U.S. in the midst of shared threats.
“We will stand with you and work alongside you to deter Chinese aggression. And we will do so in a rational and pragmatic manner,” he said. “Each day, together, creating more and more dilemmas and complications, should they decide to overturn the status quo.”
He went on to say that no one should doubt America’s commitment to its Indo-Pacific allies and partners.
“We will continue to wrap our arms around our friends and find new ways to work together — not only our treaty allies here, but also our key defense partners in ASEAN and across the Indo-Pacific,” he said. ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Excoriating China’s assertive behavior in the region, the secretary cautioned against the perils of economic reliance on the Asian power.
“We know that many countries are tempted by the idea of seeking both economic cooperation with China and defense cooperation with the United States … But beware the leverage the CCP seeks with that entanglement,” Hegseth said. CCP is short for the Chinese Communist Party.
“Economic dependence on China only deepens their malign influence and complicates our decision space during times of tension or conflict.”
He strongly castigated China’s threats against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
“China seeks to become the hegemonic power in Asia. No doubt it hopes to dominate and control too many parts of this vibrant and vital region,” he said. “Through its massive military build-up and growing willingness to use military force to achieve its goals, including gray zone tactics in hybrid warfare, China has demonstrated that it wants to fundamentally alter the region’s status quo.”
China’s behavior towards its neighbors and the world is a “wake-up” call, he noted, calling attention to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s order for his military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
“To be clear, any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world,” he said. “There is a no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent. We hope not.”
However, he pointed out that Washington does not seek conflict with its Asian competitor.
“The U.S, especially under President Trump, does not seek war. We do not seek to dominate or strangle China … We do not seek regime change,” he said.
“Instead, we seek peace. But we must ensure that China cannot dominate us — or our allies and partners. Maintaining the status quo requires strength. That’s just a rational, common sense goal that we should all be able to live with.”
In another stern message to China that he views as seeking regional dominance, Hegseth underlined that America will continue to stay as an Indo-Pacific nation.
“Here in the Indo-Pacific, our futures are bound together. The prosperity and security of the American people are linked to those of your people,” he said. “We share your vision of peace and stability, and of prosperity and security, and we are here to stay.”
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Hegseth warns of Chinese threat to Taiwan, urging allies to upgrade defenses
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warns of an imminent threat by China. He urges Washington’s regional allies and partners to ramp up defense spending. China is “building the military needed to do it, training for it every day and rehearsing for the real deal,” he says. The Shangri-La Dialogue is the premier regional security conference in Asia.
“It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo Pacific,” Hegseth said in a speech before a packed house as defense chiefs, military brass and senior diplomats gathered for Asia’s premier regional security conference in Singapore, the Shangri-La Dialogue.
In particular, Hegseth pointed to potential for China to invade democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as a renegade province that must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
China’s People’s Liberation Army “is building the military needed to do it, training for it every day and rehearsing for the real deal,” he said, asserting that Chinese leader Xi Jinping “has ordered his military to be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027.”
The U.S. defense chief also sought to ameliorate growing concerns among those skeptical of America’s commitment to the region.
“We will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated,” Hegseth said, claiming that China “seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia.”
Hegseth’s visit comes as his boss, U.S. President Donald Trump, continues to run roughshod over long-held conventions between Washington and its allies and partners, threatening even close friends with onerous tariffs and labeling longstanding alliances as unfair.
US Defence Secretary Calls for Urgent Military Build-Up Against ‘Imminent’ China Threat
US defense officials emphasize the need for military buildup and increased defense spending among allies due to an imminent threat from China. As of 2025-05-31 05:21:00, the Pentagon is actively urging its allies in Asia to increase defense spending in response to perceived aggressions. The current geopolitical landscape suggests that collaboration among allies is essential for deterrence. nations must prioritize defense strategies and foster alliances to navigate this complex landscape effectively.
www.ft.com
The escalating tensions surrounding the imminent China threat have prompted urgent calls for military build-up from U.S. defense officials. As of 2025-05-31 05:21:00, the Pentagon is actively urging its allies in Asia to increase defense spending in response to perceived aggressions.
5 Key Takeaways US defense secretary highlights China threat.
Hegseth urges allies to increase defense spending.
Pentagon chief warns of imminent China threat.
US supports Taiwan against Chinese aggression.
Shangri-La Dialogue focuses on US-China dominance.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has underscored the necessity for a united front against China’s expanding influence. This sentiment is echoed by prominent figures like Hegseth, who emphasizes the importance of bolstering military capabilities to ensure regional stability.
Fast Answer: The U.S. is urging allies to enhance defense spending amid rising concerns over China’s military ambitions, highlighting a critical moment for global security.
As nations grapple with the implications of a more assertive China, the question arises: How prepared are we for potential conflicts? The current geopolitical landscape suggests that collaboration among allies is essential for deterrence.
U.S. officials stress the need for increased military readiness.
Allies are being encouraged to share the burden of defense spending.
China’s military actions are viewed as a direct challenge to regional stability.
The situation poses a significant risk to global peace, necessitating immediate attention from international leaders.
As the dialogue continues, nations must prioritize defense strategies and foster alliances to navigate this complex landscape effectively.
Defence minister concedes Australia’s military spending may need to rise after meeting US counterpart Pete Hegseth
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Australia to increase military spending. Defence Minister Richard Marles has told his US counterpart that the Albanese government is willing to have a “conversation” about lifting expenditure. On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lashed out after a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) warned Australia could be left with a “brittle and hollowed defence force” if military funding was not increased. Mr Marles is due to meet with counterparts from other countries on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together leaders, army chiefs, defence ministers and analysts from across the globe. On Saturday, the Defence Minister will use a speech at the event to warn “we also have to counter the grim, potentially imminent, possibility of another wave of global nuclear proliferation” He will also once again criticise China for undertaking the “largest conventional military build-up since WWII”, saying it’s doing so “without providing any strategic transparency or reassurance”
Ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Defence Minister Richard Marles has told his US counterpart that the Albanese government is willing to have a “conversation” about lifting expenditure.
Australia is on track to reach defence spending levels of 2.33 per cent of GDP by 2033-34, up from its current level of 2.02 per cent, but for months the Trump Administration has pressured the government to get to at least three per cent of GDP.
“I wouldn’t put a number on it, the need to increase defence spending is something that he definitely raised,” Mr Marles told the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing program following his meeting with the Pentagon boss.
“You have seen the Americans in the way in which they have engaged with all of their friends and allies asking them to do more and we can completely understand why America would do that.
“What I made clear is that this is a conversation that we are very willing to have, and it is one that we are having, having already made very significant steps in the past.
“But we want to make sure that we are contributing to the strategic moment that we face, that we all face, and what Pete Hegseth said is entirely consistent with in the way that the Americans have been speaking to all their friends.
” We understand it and we are very much up for that conversation. ”
On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lashed out after a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) warned Australia could be left with a “brittle and hollowed defence force” if military funding was not increased.
“Well, that’s what they do, isn’t it, ASPI? I mean, seriously, they need to … have a look at themselves and the way they conduct themselves in debates,” Mr Albanese told the ABC following the report’s release.
“We’ve had a defence strategic review. We’ve got considerable additional investment going into defence — $10 billion,” the Prime Minister said while insisting his government was acting.
Mr Marles is due to meet with counterparts from a range of other countries on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together leaders, army chiefs, defence ministers and analysts from across the globe.
On Saturday, the Defence Minister will use a speech at the event to warn “we also have to counter the grim, potentially imminent, possibility of another wave of global nuclear proliferation as states seek security in a new age of imperial ambition”.
China has been rapidly building up its own nuclear arsenal, while Russia has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons since its invasion of Ukraine.
Anthony Albanese was highly critical of a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) (Reuters: Athit Perawongmetha)
The Defence Minister is expected to call that behaviour a “profound abrogation of (Russia’s) responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council”, warning that the behaviour of states like Russia, Iran and North Korea could drive nuclear proliferation around the world.
“Not only does this work against states disarming their own nuclear arsenals, as Ukraine responsibly did in 1994, the war is prompting some frontier states most exposed to Russian aggression to consider their options,” he will say.
“And this has dire consequences for our region too. Russia has agreed a strategic partnership with North Korea to access the munitions and troops Moscow needs to continue its war.
“The probability that Russia is transferring nuclear weapons technology in payment for Pyongyang’s support places intolerable pressure on South Korea.”
Marles hits out at China’s lack of ‘transparency’
The Defence Minister will also once again criticise China for undertaking the “largest conventional military build-up since WWII”, saying it’s doing so “without providing any strategic transparency or reassurance.”
“This remains a defining feature of the strategic complexity that the Indo-Pacific and the world faces today,” he’s expected to say.
Mr Marles’s speech comes in the wake of a series of meetings this week between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a host of Pacific counterparts in the southern city of Xiamen.
Officials from Australia, the US, New Zealand and Japan have all monitored the gathering closely, while China has hailed it as a major milestone in its ties with the Pacific.
Beijing didn’t unveil any major initiatives at the meeting. And while Pacific nations backed Beijing’s claim over Taiwan, they didn’t issue a direct endorsement of China’s commitment to “reunify” the self-ruled island with the mainland.
But one Pacific government source told the ABC that China’s criticisms of the Trump Administration’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, as well as its move to slash aid and dump the Paris Agreement on climate change, resonated with the Pacific countries at the meeting.
Mr Marles declined to say if he raised Australia’s concerns about US aid cuts with Pete Hegseth, simply saying the Trump Administration “understood” the importance of the Pacific region.