The United States remains fully committed to the Asia-Pacific region despite its involvement in the conflict with Iran, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.
Speaking before regional defense leaders, Hegseth sought to reassure US allies that Washington’s military focus on global crises would not come at the expense of its commitments in Asia.
He emphasized that the United States is capable of addressing multiple security challenges simultaneously, including maintaining stability in the Pacific while pursuing its objectives in the Middle East.
“We can do two things at the same time,” Hegseth said, rejecting concerns that the Iran conflict could weaken US engagement with Asian partners.
His remarks came after Japan’s Defense Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, raised questions about America’s long-term commitment to the region, warning that some countries might attempt to exploit doubts among US allies.
In response, Hegseth highlighted Washington’s strategy of maintaining a strong military presence in the Pacific and deepening cooperation with regional partners.
He also addressed concerns about the United States’ ability to fulfill defense agreements after suspending a $14 billion weapons package intended for Taiwan in order to preserve munitions during the conflict with Iran.
According to Hegseth, the two issues should not be linked. He maintained that the US military remains well supplied and capable of meeting its obligations to allies while replenishing its stockpiles when necessary.
During his speech, the defense secretary argued that military strength remains essential to preserving peace and stability in the region.
He stressed that security partnerships must be backed by credible defense capabilities, including increased military assets and stronger deterrence measures.
Hegseth also renewed calls for Asian allies to increase defense spending, suggesting that countries should aim to allocate at least 3.5% of their gross domestic product to military budgets.
He praised several US partners, including Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines, for strengthening defense cooperation and increasing military investments in recent months.
At the same time, he criticized countries that, in his view, rely too heavily on the security guarantees of others without making sufficient contributions to their own defense.
Regarding China, Hegseth adopted a more measured tone than in previous years.
While acknowledging concerns over Beijing’s expanding military capabilities, he said the United States does not seek unnecessary confrontation and instead supports a balance of power that prevents any nation from dominating the region.
According to Hegseth, Washington’s objective is to maintain long-term stability and preserve the conditions that have supported economic growth and security across the Asia-Pacific.
His comments came only weeks after US President Donald Trump held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The annual Shangri-La Dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, remains one of the most important defense forums in Asia, bringing together military leaders and policymakers from across the region.
However, China once again chose not to send its defense minister to the event, opting instead for a lower-level delegation. Analysts have interpreted the move as a sign of Beijing’s evolving approach to regional security discussions amid ongoing competition with Washington.
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