US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the US military is not "turning our backs" on Asia while fulfilling "global obligations" such as the war in Iran. He sought to reassure Asia-Pacific allies about US commitment to the region, including fulfilling arms deals.

Responding to concerns raised by Japan's defense minister Shinjiro Koizumi that some countries might underestimate US commitment and try to "drive a wedge" between the US and its allies, Hegseth insisted that part of the US national defense strategy is aimed at "power projection" in the Pacific and working with allies. "We can do two things at one time," he said.

On the suspended $14 billion weapons package to Taiwan, Hegseth said he would "very much decouple the two" issues, insisting the US is in a "very good place" regarding munitions stockpiles and production capacity.

In his speech, Hegseth emphasized a "strong, quiet and clear" approach to the region, advocating for more weapons instead of "empty globalist rhetoric about the rules-based international order." He stated, "Rules are great, but if you can't back them up with hard power, the rules are not worth the paper they are written on."

Hegseth called on Asian allies to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, praising South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. He criticized "freeloaders," labeling New Zealand as such, and warned that "Europe and NATO have some big decisions to make."

Notably softer on China than in his previous year's speech, Hegseth mentioned Taiwan only in response to a question. He acknowledged "rightful alarm regarding China's historic military buildup" but said the US seeks "a genuinely stable equilibrium" and wants to avoid "needless confrontation."

China again declined to send its defense minister to the forum, sending a lower-level delegation instead, interpreted as either a snub or an effort to avoid public confrontation with the US.

Source: www.bbc.com