Pentagon Chief Sounds Alarm on China, Urges Asian Allies to Bolster Defense Spending

May 31, 2025, Singapore - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning about the growing threat from China during his debut at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, urging Indo-Pacific allies to ramp up defense spending to counter Beijing’s ambitions. Speaking at Asia’s premier security summit, Hegseth emphasized the Trump administration’s focus on the region, highlighting China’s military buildup and its potential plans to forcibly reunify with Taiwan.

While his call for increased allied contributions sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the U.S. commitment and others criticizing its tone, the speech underscored rising regional tensions and the need for collective preparedness. Recent data suggests Asian nations are already boosting defense budgets, but Hegseth’s remarks signal a push for even greater investment to address evolving security challenges.

Hegseth’s Warning on China’s Ambitions

Addressing defense leaders and diplomats, Hegseth described the threat from China as “real and potentially imminent,” pointing to Beijing’s intensified military exercises around Taiwan and its vow to reclaim the island by force if necessary. He echoed President Trump’s assertion that China would not invade Taiwan during his administration, warning that such an action would have “devastating consequences” for the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Taiwan’s government, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, has called for international support to deter aggression. Hegseth stressed that China is actively preparing to alter the regional balance of power, citing its expanding naval capabilities and frequent incursions into disputed maritime zones, including the South China Sea.

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Call for Increased Allied Defense Spending

Hegseth’s push for Asian allies to increase defense budgets drew attention, with some viewing it as a necessary wake-up call and others as patronizing. He noted that NATO members in Europe are committing to spend 5% of GDP on defense, citing Germany as an example, and argued that Asian nations, facing a “more formidable threat” from China and North Korea, should follow suit. Recent data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies indicates that Asian defense spending averaged 1.5% of GDP in 2024, with countries like Japan and South Korea increasing investments in response to regional threats.

However, Hegseth suggested that these efforts fall short, urging allies to bolster their defense industries and reduce reliance on U.S. resources, allowing Washington to focus on the Indo-Pacific while Europe addresses its own security challenges.

Did You Know?
China’s military budget for 2025 is estimated at $232 billion, making it the second-largest in the world after the U.S., though it spends significantly less per capita due to its large population.

Mixed Reactions and Regional Dynamics

The speech elicited varied responses. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans welcomed Hegseth’s acknowledgment of Europe’s increased defense efforts, while U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, part of a bipartisan delegation at the summit, called his tone toward Asian allies “patronizing.” Some regional leaders expressed unease over the U.S. redeployment of air defense systems from Asia to the Middle East earlier this year, a move requiring 73 C-17 flights amid tensions with Iran.

Despite these concerns, Hegseth reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the region, emphasizing partnerships based on shared interests rather than ideological alignment. He highlighted the importance of respecting allies’ traditions and militaries, distancing U.S. policy from issues like climate change or cultural debates.