Pentagon chief asks countries to increase spending and defends the creation of a stronger and more self-sufficient support network
The United States Secretary of Defense, , asked Asian allies to increase their military investments to 3.5% of GDP. The was presented this Saturday (May 30, 2026) during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, an event that brings together defense leaders, military personnel and diplomats from the region. The Chinese Defense Minister did not attend.
The stated aim is to contain the growth of China’s military. Hegseth cited a “justified alarm” in relation to fast and advocated the creation of a stronger and more self-sufficient network of allies. He argued that this structure is necessary to preserve the balance of power in the Pacific region.
“There is justified concern regarding China’s historic military buildup and expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond. We share a realistic assessment of this security environment and a mutual understanding that a Pacific dominated by any hegemonic power would dismantle the regional balance of power and undermine the balance we all seek to preserve.”declared the head of the Pentagon. Here is what the secretary said (PDF – 93 kB).
“What we seek, and what the President has consistently articulated, is a genuinely stable balance that works for both Americans and our allies. A supportive yet enduring balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and endanger the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies.”these.
Countries such as South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan had contributions mentioned by the secretary.
Hegseth stated that under Trump’s leadership, “relations between the United States and China are better than they have been in many years. President Trump and this administration seek stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China”.
The head of the Pentagon also announced that the US plans make one “historic $1.5 trillion investment in defense this year to unleash America’s arsenal of freedom and expand American military supremacy for decades to come”.
