Chicago – May 31, 2026U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reassured Asian allies that the United States remains firmly committed to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Hegseth said Washington is not “turning its back” on Asia despite facing challenges in other parts of the world.
He emphasized that the United States can maintain its commitments in multiple regions simultaneously and will continue working closely with key partners, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. However, Hegseth also called on regional allies to increase their defense spending and strengthen their own military capabilities.
The defense secretary argued that collective security requires greater burden-sharing among partners rather than relying solely on U.S. military support. Addressing concerns about China’s growing military power, he said the United States seeks a stable balance of power and aims to prevent conflict while maintaining a strong regional presence. His remarks highlighted Washington’s continued focus on Indo-Pacific security.
