US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026, urging American allies to boost their defense spending and capabilities to address challenges posed by China. Hegseth emphasized the need for collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to verified reports, Hegseth stated that the US remains committed to its alliances but expects partners to contribute more to shared defense. This marks a continuation of his previous calls at the same event in 2025 for allies to increase military budgets.
The dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, brings together defense officials from across the region. Hegseth's remarks come amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
