Jerry Jackson U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Indo-Pacific countries to increase their defense spending during a major security forum in Singapore. Speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth said China’s military moves suggest a real risk of conflict over Taiwan. The event took place this weekend, drawing defense leaders from across the region.
“This is not a drill. The danger is real, and it may be near,” Hegseth told the audience. He stressed that now is the time to act and that waiting could be dangerous. His message focused on unity and faster action to strengthen regional defense systems.
Hegseth announced new U.S. military efforts in the region. These include more support hubs in Australia to fix aircraft and ships. He also revealed that the U.S. plans to test a mid-range missile in Australia soon. These steps aim to help U.S. and allied forces work better together.
The U.S. sees these moves as part of a long-term plan to keep the Indo-Pacific region safe. Hegseth said the U.S. is not forcing its views on others. “We’re not here to lecture or dictate,” he said. “We want cooperation rooted in mutual benefit—not ideology.”
He noted that Europe is a model for shared security. Since 2018, many European countries have raised their defense spending. Hegseth wants Asia to do the same. “It’s ironic, given what I’ve said before, but today Europe is showing what partnership looks like,” he added.
His comments came just after the release of a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The study showed that Asia is indeed increasing its defense budgets. Still, U.S. officials believe more effort is needed to face growing security threats.
Another key point was China’s absence from the event. Hegseth said it was a lost chance for open talks. In recent years, tensions between China and many countries in the region have grown. Disputes over trade, military zones, and Taiwan are at the center of these issues.
Hegseth also talked about how the U.S. will support maintenance of P-8 radar aircraft used by both American and allied forces. These aircraft help monitor large sea areas, a key need in this part of the world.
His speech followed a familiar U.S. policy line. He backed a $1 trillion defense budget, stressed strong military spending, and voiced worries about China’s global reach. He even mentioned ideas like returning U.S. control of the Panama Canal—a bold claim that drew wide attention.
While Hegseth’s tone was firm, not all lawmakers agreed with his style. Senator Tammy Duckworth, who also spoke at the forum, welcomed the U.S. role but criticized what she called “patronizing” language.
“The Indo-Pacific doesn’t need protection wrapped in arrogance,” Duckworth said. “What it needs is respect and unity.”
She added that support for the region is bipartisan in the U.S., and stressed that trust and shared goals should guide policy—not fear or pressure. Her comments showed the range of views in Washington on how to handle Asia’s fast-changing security scene.
The Shangri-La Dialogue remains one of Asia’s key security meetings. As the Indo-Pacific grows in importance, the messages shared there carry weight. The U.S. is working to build stronger links with allies in the region. But it faces a complex task: balancing power, diplomacy, and respect.
The future of peace in the Indo-Pacific may depend on how well nations can work together. With rising military budgets and changing alliances, leaders are being asked to act quickly but wisely.