Hegseth Hails US Allies in Asia, Hits Out at Europe Partners

On 30 May 2026, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. He said the United States seeks a 'stable equilibrium' and will not let any state, including China, dominate Asia, while saying US-China ties are better than in years after the Trump-Xi summit. Several outlets noted a more restrained tone toward China than before, and the Straits Times noted that Taiwan was left out of his roll call of partners.

Hegseth praised Australia for stepping up, called India a 'critical anchor', and said the US is developing a 'true friendship' with Pakistan, whose prime minister and army chief he named. He said US expectations for Japan on defence spending are high and that the era of the US subsidising wealthy nations is over, a message he also directed at European NATO members. NATO's military chief dismissed the drama over the criticism, and a PLA delegate called the speech 'more restrained'. On Iran, Hegseth said Trump will remain patient in pursuing a deal.