US Defense Secretary Urges Asian Allies to Counter China's Military Expansion

US Defense Secretary Pete Higgsith urged Asian allies on Saturday to increase their military budgets to confront China’s expanding military capabilities and to prevent its dominance over the region. He described concerns over China’s rapid military buildup as "legitimate."

Speaking in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the leading Asian forum for defense leaders and senior military and diplomatic officials, Higgsith emphasized that stronger and more self-reliant allies are essential for deterrence.

He stated, "There is legitimate concern about China’s historic military enhancements and the expansion of its military activities both regionally and beyond," according to Reuters.

Higgsith added, "The dominance of any power over the Pacific region would disrupt the regional balance of power... No country, including China, can impose its hegemony or threaten the security of our nation and allies."

The US expects its Asian allies and partners to raise defense spending to 3.5% of their GDP, while it has pledged to invest $1.5 trillion in its own military forces.

Higgsith affirmed that allies desire stability and noted that relations with Beijing are "better than they have been in many years," highlighting increased communications between the US and Chinese militaries.

The Pentagon chief added, "We meet more frequently with our Chinese counterparts by maintaining open channels of communication between the two militaries."

Since the start of his second term, President Donald Trump has called on allies to increase defense spending and has clearly stated that European partners and NATO members should reduce their reliance on Washington.

The defense secretary continued, "The era of the United States funding the defense of wealthy countries is over. We need partners, not protectorates... We will not have a strong alliance unless everyone shares the risk. There is no place for exploitation."