Hegseth says 'no state, including China,' to dominate Asia

Pete Hegseth delivered a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore outlining US foreign policy goals for Asia. The United States seeks a stable equilibrium and a favorable but durable balance of power where no state, including China, can impose hegemony or endanger US and allied security or prosperity. He cited “rightful alarm” over China’s historic military build-up and expanded activities, while saying Washington does not seek needless confrontation. He said US ties with Beijing are better than in many years, pointing to increased military-to-military interactions. He did not mention Taiwan and said a paused Taiwan arms sale decision would rest with President Donald Trump. He also urged Asian allies and partners to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP and rejected subsidizing wealthy nations’ defense, calling for partners rather than protectorates.

"What we seek... is a genuinely stable equilibrium that works for Americans as well as our allies a favorable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question,"

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