US Defense Secretary Hegseth criticizes Europe, warns about China

On 30 May 2026, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, said the United States will not let China impose hegemony in Asia and that no state, including China, should dominate the region. His tone on China was described as more restrained than before: he said US-China ties are better than in years following the Trump-Xi summit, while stating that the US remains committed to Pacific security. He called India a critical anchor, praised Australia for stepping up, and urged Japan and other allies to spend more on defense. He also renewed his criticism of Europe.

Chinese officials responded. The head of China's delegation said he hoped China and the US would move in the same direction, and a PLA delegate called the speech more restrained. A PLA major general also questioned Japan's credibility to lecture others on defense cooperation.