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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that 'America first' does not mean 'America alone,' delivering a major policy address at the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Speaking before defense officials from some 45 nations, Hegseth outlined the Trump administration's vision for the Indo-Pacific, balancing a tough stance on China's military buildup with a renewed emphasis on burden-sharing among allies.
What is the Shangri-La Dialogue?
The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual inter-governmental security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore since 2002. It serves as a Track One forum where defense ministers, military chiefs, and security policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond discuss regional security challenges, build confidence, and foster practical cooperation.
Hegseth's Core Message: 'America First' Redefined
Hegseth's speech sought to clarify the Trump administration's approach to alliances under the 'America first' doctrine. 'America first' betekent niet 'America alone', he said, using the Dutch phrase to underscore that US leadership does not mean isolation. Instead, he called for a model of 'flexible practical realism' where partnerships are built on shared interests and mutual responsibility.
'The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,' Hegseth declared. He urged allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, warning that countries meeting this threshold would receive priority access to US weapons sales, intelligence sharing, and industrial cooperation. This echoes similar NATO defense spending targets that have been a hallmark of Trump-era policy.
China Military Buildup: 'Rightful Alarm'
Hegseth expressed what he called 'rightful alarm' over the 'historic scale' of China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific. 'As we look at the region today, there is reason for justified concern about the historic scale of China's military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond,' he said.
However, he stressed that the United States does not seek 'needless confrontation.' The goal, he said, is a 'stable equilibrium' that works for both Americans and allies. 'No state, including China, can impose its hegemony or threaten the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies,' Hegseth added.
$1.5 Trillion Defense Investment and New Capabilities
Hegseth announced that President Donald Trump would invest $1.5 trillion (€1.37 trillion) in defense this year. This massive spending will fund next-generation systems including the F-47 sixth-generation fighter, the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the Golden Dome missile defense system, and expanded submarine and hypersonic capabilities. The investment is part of a broader strategy to 'rebuild the military' after what Hegseth described as years of neglect.
The US defense budget increase for 2025 is intended to reestablish deterrence against China and other adversaries, with the Indo-Pacific as the Pentagon's priority theater.
Burden-Sharing: Praise for Asia, Criticism for Europe
Hegseth praised Asian allies including the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for 'taking responsibility and sharing the burdens of defense and alliances.' He contrasted this with Europe, where he said 'the security of Europe has for too long rested disproportionately on American military power, while many allies have allowed their own defense capabilities to slacken.'
The message was clear: Washington will prioritize cooperation with 'model allies' that meet the 3.5% GDP defense spending benchmark. Benefits for these countries include 'accelerated weapons sales, intensive industrial cooperation, and expanded intelligence exchanges.'
Implications for Global Security
Hegseth's speech signals a significant shift in US alliance management. While the US remains committed to the Indo-Pacific, the terms of engagement are becoming more transactional. Allies are expected to carry a larger share of the collective defense burden, or risk losing access to American military largesse.
Analysts note that this approach could reshape the future of US alliances in Asia, potentially pushing countries like Japan and South Korea to accelerate their own defense build-ups. At the same time, Hegseth's emphasis on military-to-military communication with China aims to reduce the risk of miscalculation, even as competition intensifies.
FAQ
What did Pete Hegseth say about China at the Shangri-La Dialogue?
Hegseth expressed 'rightful alarm' over China's military buildup but said the US does not seek confrontation. He called for a 'stable equilibrium' where no single power dominates the region.
What does 'America first' mean for US alliances?
Hegseth clarified that 'America first' does not mean 'America alone.' It means the US expects allies to share defense burdens, with a target of 3.5% of GDP in defense spending to qualify for priority partnership benefits.
How much is the US investing in defense?
Hegseth announced a $1.5 trillion defense investment for 2025, funding next-generation fighters, bombers, missile defense, and naval capabilities.
Which countries did Hegseth praise at the summit?
He praised the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for shouldering defense responsibilities, while criticizing European allies for underinvesting.
What is the Shangri-La Dialogue?
It is an annual security forum in Singapore where defense ministers and military chiefs from Asia-Pacific and beyond discuss regional security challenges. It has been held since 2002.
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