US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Asian allies to significantly increase their defence spending, warning that China’s rapid military build-up is raising legitimate concerns about regional security and the balance of power.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, one of the region’s leading defence forums, he said a stronger and more self-reliant network of allies was essential to deter aggression and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific.Hegseth stated that Washington expects its partners to lift defence expenditure to around 3.5 per cent of GDP, while the United States itself commits to a major $US1.5 trillion investment in its own military capabilities.

He emphasised that the era of the US bearing disproportionate responsibility for global security is over, arguing that allies must contribute more and avoid over-reliance on American protection.

In his remarks, Hegseth warned that no single country, including China, should be allowed to dominate the region or undermine the existing security architecture.

He described China’s expanding military activity as something that should prompt “rightful alarm”, while also noting that US-China military communications have improved and that relations are currently more stable than in recent years.

The US Defence Secretary also reinforced a broader “burden-sharing” message aligned with the Trump administration’s foreign policy stance, urging partners such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand to strengthen their defence commitments.

He also addressed global flashpoints, including tensions with Iran, stating the US remains prepared to act militarily if diplomacy fails, while insisting that Washington can manage multiple strategic challenges simultaneously.

Overall, the speech highlighted a push for deeper allied cooperation, higher military spending across Asia, and continued US commitment to maintaining regional balance and deterrence.