US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region, warning of "rightful alarm" over its rapid military build-up.
Mr Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats, said a stronger, more self-reliant network of allies is essential to deter aggression and preserve the balance of power.
"There is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military build-up and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," he said.
"A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power," Mr Hegseth said. "No state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question."
The US expects its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP as it pledged a $1.5trn investment in its military, the Pentagon chief said.
Watch: US is 'reviving warrior ethos' within its ranks, says Hegseth
"Less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs," Mr Hegseth said, and stressed that allies want stability, not escalation.
"What they want, and what the United States delivers, is strength that is disciplined, resolve that is steady, and leadership that is confident enough to speak and walk softly while carrying a big stick."
Mr Hegseth also struck a measured tone on US-China ties, saying relations are "better than they have been in many years," with more frequent military-to-military engagement helping to manage tensions.
"We are meeting more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication."
Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University and retired People's Liberation Army senior colonel who was part of the Chinese delegation, described US-China relations as "complicated".
Nonetheless, he said Mr Hegseth struck "a much better tone" this year than last, attributing the shift to US President Donald Trump’s visit to China.
"Both sides have open channels of communication, the situation is not as exaggerated as the outside world makes it out to be," Mr Zhou said.
China, whose defence minister is skipping the dialogue for a second consecutive year, accused Mr Hegseth last year of making "vilifying" remarks.
Mr Hegseth echoed Mr Trump's long-standing demand that allies shoulder more of their own defence costs. Trump has pointedly said European and NATO partners should reduce reliance on Washington.
"The era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over," Mr Hegseth said. "We need partners, not protectorates," he added. "We don't have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game. No freeloading."
Mr Hegseth praised contributions from allies including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and said Japan was taking concrete steps to bolster its defences.
Tokyo and Washington "must each pull our weight to strengthen the US-Japan alliance," he said.
On the Middle East conflict, Mr Hegseth said the United States stands ready to resume strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran work to bridge major differences blocking a deal.
"Our ability to recommence if necessary... we are more than capable," Mr Hegseth said. He added that Mr Trump remains "patient" and is seeking a "strong deal" to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
