'Unrealistic' for Southeast Asia to meet Hegseth's defence spending demand amid Sino-US rivalry
Analysts argue that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's demand for Southeast Asian nations to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP is unrealistic. Countries in the region are prioritizing domestic development and economic stability over military expansion amid US-China rivalry.
Why it matters
It underscores the friction between US security expectations and the economic realities of developing nations in the Indo-Pacific.
Washington’s call for Asian allies to spend 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence is untenable given competing needs in infrastructure, healthcare and education, analysts say.
The article presents expert analysis regarding regional economic constraints and diplomatic balancing acts.
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