Pentagon chief says US seeks 'stable equilibrium' with China in Asia

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struck a measured tone on China at Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, acknowledging "rightful alarm" over Beijing's military buildup but saying Washington sought a "stable equilibrium" in Asia rather than confrontation.

The speech marked a notable shift from his strongly confrontational remarks at the same forum last year.

What did Hegseth say about China and US strategy in Asia?

Hegseth told the forum, which brings together top defense officials and experts from about 45 countries, that Washington does not seek "needless confrontation" but rather "a genuinely stable equilibrium in Asia that works for Americans as well as our allies."

He said that means "a favorable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question."

He also said the U.S. expects Asian allies and partners to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of their GDP, warning that allies who "free-ride" will face "a clear shift in how we do business."

How did China respond to Hegseth's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue?

Major General Meng Xiangqing, head of the Chinese delegation, said following the speech that "stable U.S.-China relations are not only good for both peoples, but also good for regional stability and global peace."

Chinese delegate Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, told AFP this year's address was "much more moderate" than last year's but called Hegseth's depiction of a hegemonic China "ironic, given what the US is doing in Iran and has done in Venezuela."

Beijing sent a panel of military experts and scholars for the second consecutive year rather than Defense Minister Dong Jun, a move analysts say reflects Beijing's confidence as an established power with little inclination to answer publicly for its assertive regional moves.

What did Hegseth say about Taiwan and the US-China relationship?

Hegseth said there had been "no change" in Washington's stance toward Taiwan, but that "any decision about future Taiwan arms sales will rest with" President Trump.

The remarks came after Trump visited China this month, talking up "fantastic" trade deals while suggesting Washington could use arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan as a bargaining chip with Beijing.

Hegseth said the U.S. sought "respectful" and "good-faith" engagement with Beijing, adding: "I wish my counterpart was here at this conference, but I look forward to other options when we can cross paths."

What concerns did US critics raise about the Indo-Pacific focus?

Democratic senator and Trump critic Tammy Duckworth, part of the U.S. delegation, said Hegseth's remarks were overly conciliatory toward China.

"I worry that this administration is being distracted into wars that they've started in other parts of the world at the expense of our commitment here in the Indo-Pacific," she told reporters.

Some analysts also warned that China's absence of a senior policymaker at the forum could become a problem if major security issues, such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or the situation in Taiwan, come to a head simultaneously.

What other defense announcements were made at the forum?

Hegseth praised South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines for boosting their defense spending. He also said Washington was "more than capable" of restarting the war with Iran if it wanted, as a peace deal remained elusive.

A White House official told AFP on Friday that Trump would only commit to a deal if Iran met all his conditions, but Iran has said "no final agreement" is in place.

Separately, Hegseth and his British and Australian counterparts announced they would cooperate under the AUKUS security alliance to develop payloads for undersea drones.