Pentagon chief urges allies to boost defence spending amid ‘alarm’ over China
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's regional influence. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth emphasized the need for self-reliant partners while noting that military-to-military communication with Beijing remains active.
Why it matters
The call for increased defense spending signals a shift in US foreign policy toward demanding greater financial contributions from allies to maintain regional security balances.
Pentagon chief urges allies to boost defence spending amid ‘alarm’ over China | FMT
The framing emphasizes the 'alarm' regarding China and the 'America First' style rhetoric regarding allies paying their fair share.
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