US not 'turning back' on Asia allies, but expects them to boost defence - Hegseth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has assured Asia-Pacific allies that American forces remain committed to the region even as the United States manages wider global responsibilities, including the conflict involving Iran. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth stressed that Washington can address multiple priorities simultaneously and will continue to meet arms commitments despite a recent suspension of a major Taiwan weapons package. The remarks came against the backdrop of recent positive discussions between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Hegseth’s appearance at the annual defence forum sought to counter any perception that US attention might be diverted elsewhere, while repeating earlier demands that regional partners increase their own defence outlays.

Addressing allied concerns over commitment

Japan’s defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, directly raised questions about whether some countries might question the depth of US engagement and seek to exploit divisions. Hegseth responded by linking US national defence strategy to sustained power projection across the Pacific and close coordination with partners. He rejected suggestions that global tasks equated to neglect of Asia, stating that “people want to conflate that we have global obligations with the turning of our backs to this region.” He added that the United States could “do two things at one time,” maintaining a “substantive, serious approach” to the Pacific while also working to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The exchange highlighted ongoing efforts by US officials to reassure governments across the region that existing security arrangements remain intact. Hegseth described American activity in the Pacific as proceeding “quietly but very strongly,” underscoring continuity rather than any shift in focus.

Arms deliveries and munitions capacity

A separate question at the forum addressed the US ability to honour weapons agreements after the suspension of a $14 billion package to Taiwan, a step taken to preserve stocks for the Iran conflict. Hegseth said the two matters should be kept separate and described the overall US munitions position as “very good” and “very strong,” with capacity to increase production as required. This assurance was intended to signal that short-term adjustments would not undermine longer-term support for regional partners.

Emphasis on hard power over rhetoric

In his prepared remarks, Hegseth outlined a US approach he characterised as “strong, quiet and clear,” favouring the possession of substantial military capabilities while avoiding unnecessary provocation. He argued that effective deterrence required tangible assets rather than repeated references to a rules-based order. “Rules are great, but if you can’t back them up with hard power, the rules are not worth the paper they are written on,” he said. He called for “more combat power” in the form of additional ships and submarines, contrasting this with what he viewed as excessive reliance on conferences and declarations. The comments aligned with a broader preference for concrete military strength as the foundation of regional stability. Hegseth noted that allies in Asia generally seek a balance in which no single state can impose hegemony, a position he said the United States shares in pursuit of a “genuinely stable equilibrium.”

Calls for higher regional defence spending

Hegseth renewed his request that Asian allies raise defence expenditure, proposing a benchmark of 3.5 percent of gross domestic product. He commended several nations that have recently increased budgets and expanded cooperation with the United States, specifically mentioning South Korea, Japan, Australia and the Philippines. At the same time, he criticised countries he described as “freeloaders,” applying the term to New Zealand during a later exchange. He also observed that Europe and NATO face significant choices ahead. These remarks echoed statements Hegseth made at the previous year’s dialogue, though the tone regarding China was noticeably measured. While acknowledging “rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup,” he avoided direct references to Taiwan except when responding to a question and did not repeat earlier language about an imminent threat. The shift occurred weeks after the Trump-Xi meeting, during which Xi identified Taiwan as the principal point of contention between the two countries.

Regional perspectives and dialogue

Hours before Hegseth spoke, Vietnamese President To Lam delivered the forum’s keynote address and urged greater use of dialogue to manage tensions. His call reflected a preference among several regional governments for diplomatic channels alongside military preparedness. Hegseth’s own emphasis on avoiding “needless confrontation” indicated that Washington recognises this preference while still insisting on credible deterrence through increased capabilities. The Shangri-La Dialogue has long served as a venue for senior officials to outline defence priorities and respond to questions from counterparts. This year’s proceedings illustrated both continuity in US alliance commitments and pressure on partners to contribute more resources. Hegseth’s repeated references to quiet, substantive cooperation suggested an intention to maintain steady engagement rather than pursue dramatic new initiatives.

Implications for future cooperation

The statements delivered in Singapore set expectations for upcoming interactions between the United States and its Asian partners. Fulfilment of existing arms agreements, alongside higher spending by regional governments, will likely form the basis for continued coordination. Officials will also monitor production capacity and stockpile levels to ensure that global contingencies do not disrupt support for the Pacific theatre. Hegseth’s participation underlined the administration’s view that alliances function most effectively when all members maintain adequate military resources. The forum provided an opportunity to restate this position while signalling that the United States does not intend to reduce its presence in the region. Subsequent meetings and budget decisions will determine how these commitments translate into concrete actions.

By Jessica, Staff Writer