Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s key forum for defense leaders, military officials, and diplomats, Hegseth emphasized that the Indo-Pacific region is a critical focus for the Trump administration.
“There’s no need to sugarcoat this. The threat from China is real, and it could be upon us soon,” Hegseth stated, marking his strongest remarks about the Communist country since assuming office in January. He reiterated that any attempt by China to seize Taiwan “would lead to catastrophic consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world,” echoing Trump’s assertion that China will not invade Taiwan during his presidency.
China regards Taiwan as its own territory, insisting on “reunification” with the separately governed island, potentially by force. It has intensified military and political pressure to reinforce its claims, including ramping up military exercises around Taiwan.
Taiwan’s government disputes Beijing’s sovereignty assertions, affirming that the island’s residents alone should determine their future.
“It must be clear to everyone that Beijing is credibly preparing to possibly use military force to reshape the power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth remarked.
However, his call for allies to enhance defense spending may cause unease among partners, although experts noted that Hegseth would likely encounter a supportive audience in Singapore. China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun has opted out of the significant Asian security forum, with only an academic delegation representing Beijing.
Previously, Hegseth has criticized European allies for not investing enough in their defense. In February, he cautioned Europe against viewing America as a “sucker” during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
On Friday, during the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron supported Hegseth’s call for Europe to ramp up its defense funding.
“I find it hard to believe, especially after some recent trips to Europe, that I’m saying this, but thanks to President Trump, Asian allies should look to European nations as a newfound model,” Hegseth expressed.
“NATO nations are committing to spending 5% of their GDP on defense, including Germany. It’s illogical for countries in Europe to do that while critical allies in Asia are investing less in defense amidst a more daunting threat, especially with North Korea in the mix.”
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized the importance of Hegseth recognizing European nations’ increased commitments.
“For me, it was perhaps the first time, or one of the first times, I heard the U.S. administration acknowledge this explicitly,” Brekelmans noted, referring to Hegseth’s statements.
‘PATRONISING’
U.S. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, co-leading a bipartisan delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue, pointed out that while it was significant for Hegseth to affirm the U.S. commitment to the region, his remarks about allies were not constructive.
“I found it patronizing towards our friends in the Indo-Pacific specifically,” Duckworth commented.
According to a recent study by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, spending on weapons and research is increasing among certain Asian nations in response to a worsening security landscape, as they seek to expand their external industrial partnerships while enhancing their own defense sectors.
This uptick occurs even as Asian countries invested an average of 1.5% of their GDP on defense in 2024, a figure that has remained relatively stable over the past decade, the report indicated.
Hegseth suggested that European allies concentrate on security within Europe, allowing Washington to concentrate on the threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific, while also encouraging more involvement from allies in Asia.
“We much prefer that the predominant focus of European investment remain on that continent, so that while we partner there—and we will continue to do so—we can use our comparative strength as an Indo-Pacific nation to support our partners here,” he remarked in response to a question after his speech.
However, some initial actions by the Trump administration in the Indo-Pacific have raised questions. Earlier this year, the U.S. relocated air defense systems from Asia to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalated—a task that required 73 C-17 flights.
Hegseth, a former Fox TV host who has focused significantly on domestic issues in his early months in office, addressed topics he often discusses in the U.S., such as “restoring the warrior ethos.”
“We are not here to pressure other nations to adopt our political ideologies or values. We are not here to preach about climate change or cultural issues,” Hegseth stated. “We respect you, your traditions, and your military. We aim to collaborate where our mutual interests converge.”
