U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has praised several Asia-Pacific allies for increasing their defense capabilities and sharing more responsibility for regional security, while warning that China’s growing military influence continues to raise concerns across the region.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized the importance of partnerships built on shared national interests and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific.

According to Hegseth, the United States is working toward a regional security framework in which allies are better equipped to contribute to their own defense and support broader collective security efforts.

He highlighted countries including the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for strengthening their military capabilities and taking a more active role in regional defense cooperation. Vietnam and India were also recognized for making significant progress in improving military readiness.

Hegseth described the U.S. approach to alliances as “strong, quiet, and clear,” stressing that long-term partnerships should be based on practical cooperation and mutual interests.

While noting that U.S.-China relations remain relatively stable, he expressed concerns about Beijing’s expanding military activities. He argued that Washington seeks to maintain a balanced regional order where no single country can dominate or threaten the security and prosperity of neighboring nations.

Hegseth said there is growing concern among many countries in the Asia-Pacific regarding China’s military buildup and its increasing operations both within the region and beyond.

The defense secretary reiterated that the United States considers itself a Pacific nation and intends to remain actively engaged in regional affairs. He called on China to respect the longstanding strategic balance that has contributed to stability in the region for decades.

Beyond Asia, Hegseth also directed criticism toward some European allies, arguing that certain nations have not contributed enough to collective defense efforts. He suggested that security partnerships should focus on practical cooperation rather than political disagreements and urged allies to assume greater responsibility for their own defense needs.

He further stated that, for many years, regional security in the Asia-Pacific has relied heavily on American military power while some partner nations reduced investments in their own defense capabilities. Recent increases in defense spending and military modernization among U.S. allies, he said, represent a positive shift toward a more balanced security framework.

Hegseth’s remarks reflect the United States’ broader strategy of strengthening alliances and partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific while responding to China’s expanding military presence and influence. As geopolitical competition continues to intensify, regional security and burden-sharing among allies are expected to remain key priorities for Washington and its partners.