Pentagon chief sounds ‘alarm’ over China’s buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for Asian allies to increase military spending in response to China's military buildup. He emphasized the importance of a self-reliant network of allies to maintain regional stability and balance of power. Hegseth also noted that U.S.-China relations have improved, with more military communication between the two nations.
- ▪Hegseth urged Asian allies to boost defense spending to counter China's military expansion.
- ▪He stated that a Pacific dominated by any hegemon would disrupt the regional balance of power.
- ▪The U.S. expects allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP as it invests $1.5 trillion in its military.
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U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30, 2026) 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 buildup.Also read | India is ‘powerful’ and ‘modernising’ its military, says U.S. Secretary of War Pete HegsethMr. 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 buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," he said. U.S.
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