U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a major address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, laying out Washington’s geopolitical goals before regional defense leaders.
The speech focused on pivotal issues: the primary rival China, along with Iran, NATO, and Taiwan – a major point of friction between the U.S. and China.
CHINA'S MILITARY BUILD-UP
Hegseth expressed concern about China's growing military presence in the Asia-Pacific. He stated: “There is legitimate alarm about China’s historic military build-up and its expanding military activities in the region and beyond.”
He called on U.S. allies in the region to increase defense spending to counter China’s rising power. “A Pacific dominated by any hegemon will upset the regional balance of power,” Hegseth warned.
TAIWAN AND WEAPONS
Hegseth noted that Washington maintains its commitment to Taiwan, but the final decision on a weapons deal worth up to $14 billion rests with President Trump. “Those decisions will depend on the president and the nature of the relationship. There has been no change in our position,” he said.
Earlier, President Trump warned Taiwan not to declare formal independence after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Taiwan responded that it has “sovereignty and independence” but will maintain the status quo.
“WE NEED PARTNERS, NOT PROTECTORATES”
Hegseth underscored Trump’s “America First” principle: “The era of the U.S. subsidizing defense for wealthy countries is over. We need partners, not protectorates. No alliance is strong without everyone pulling their weight. No free rides.”
He also indicated that the deployment of an additional 5,000 troops to Poland remains uncertain whether it will include troops previously slated for withdrawal from Germany.
IRAN AND AMMUNITION CRISIS
On Iran, Hegseth warned that the U.S. will resume strikes if no permanent end-of-war deal is reached. Talks are reportedly close to signing a memorandum of understanding.
The U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which erupted in late February, has rattled global markets, triggered an energy crisis, and caused a critical shortage of U.S. ammunition, including THAAD interceptors ($12 million each). A May 28 report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found it would take two years, in some cases more than three, to replenish four major types of munitions.
Before the war, about 20% of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas transited the Strait of Hormuz – which Iran shut down as fighting erupted. Hegseth affirmed that Washington is working to reassure allies that the strait will reopen soon.
