Hegseth tells Asia: era of U.S. subsidizing defense is over

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Asian allies at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to increase defense spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product, warning of "rightful alarm" over China's accelerating military buildup and urging a stronger, more self-reliant alliance network to preserve the balance of power in the region. Hegseth declared that "the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over," stating that Washington seeks "partners, not protectorates" and demanding that all allies contribute their fair share, with no room for "freeloading." The Pentagon chief also said the United States stands ready to resume strikes on Iran if diplomatic efforts fail to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while expressing confidence that the U.S. can simultaneously address Middle East and Asia-Pacific priorities. Netherlands Deputy Prime Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius backed the U.S. demand, telling CNBC that the call for increased defense spending is "legitimate" and that the Netherlands supports NATO's commitment to allocate 5% of GDP toward defense, split between direct spending and related investments. She acknowledged that Amsterdam has not yet reached the point where it can fully defend itself, spending approximately 2.2% of GDP on defense in 2025, but stressed that public support for increased military spending has surged since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "You have a choice, you're either on the menu or you're having a seat at the table," she said, adding that she wants the Netherlands to have a voice at the table rather than become a target. Hegseth struck a measured tone on U.S.-China relations, describing them as "better than they have been in many years" with more frequent military-to-military engagement helping to manage tensions, though he maintained that no state can impose hegemony over the Pacific. On arms sales to Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, Hegseth said any decision would rest with President Trump, signaling no shift in Washington's longstanding approach despite recent engagement with Beijing. China notably sent no Defense Minister to the dialogue for the second consecutive year, having previously accused Hegseth of making "vilifying" remarks.