U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Saturday, threatened NATO allies with consequences if they do not increase their defense spending sufficiently, UNN reports, citing DW.
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"For too long, polite requests to our European allies to increase spending on their own defense went unanswered," the Pentagon chief said, adding that European countries are "finally catching up."
"We need partners, not protectorates," Hegseth emphasized. He called the basis of a strong partnership a "concrete alignment of national interests," while Europe, in his opinion, has been "distracted by empty globalist rhetoric about a rules-based international order."
U.S. NATO allies in Europe, as well as Canada, increased defense spending by 19.6% in 2025 compared to 2024. However, their total contribution remains lower than U.S. spending.
Hegseth also noted China's "alarming" military buildup.
"China's unprecedented buildup of military capabilities and the expansion of its military activities in the region (Asia-Pacific - ed.) and beyond" causes "justified alarm," the U.S. Defense Secretary stated. He added that Washington is not interested in "unnecessary confrontation" but seeks a stable balance of power in Asia, where China cannot "impose its dominance" on the countries of the region.
At the same time, AP notes that Hegseth softened his tone compared to previous comments in which he called China a threat.
But at the same time, he assured allies in the Pacific region that Washington remains committed to the region.
Speaking to a group of world leaders, diplomats, and senior security officials at the Shangri-La defense conference in Singapore, Hegseth said the region "has profound implications for U.S. security and prosperity" and that Washington's priority is "achieving a lasting and favorable balance of power in the Pacific."
This was his second speech at the forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Last year, he drew Beijing's ire by warning of rapidly evolving threats from China, including its aggressive stance toward Taiwan.
Hegseth also urged U.S. Asian partners to increase defense spending, stating that security in the region should not "rely disproportionately on American military power." The Pentagon chief highlighted South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines as positive examples, while he accused New Zealand of "freeloading" at the expense of American taxpayers.
Regarding Taiwan, Hegseth stated that the U.S. relationship with the island remains unchanged, but "any decisions on future arms supplies to Taiwan" will be made by U.S. President Donald Trump. Following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in mid-May, the U.S. President suspended a $14 billion arms deal with Taipei.
Hegseth responded to Zelenskyy's request regarding Patriot30.05.26, 17:59