The U.S. Secretary of Defense presented his vision for the Asia-Pacific on Friday at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore.
US Secretary of Defense on the US position in the Pacific. He warned China
Pete Hegseth has repeatedly warned against hegemony by any power, including China, claiming that it will destroy order. He noted that the US is striving for an order in which “no country, including China, will be able to impose its hegemony”, in which “sovereignty will be respected and trade will be free.”
Hegseth also noted that the current US relations with China are the best in years.
– Let no one be under any illusions, America is a Pacific country and we insist that China respect our long-standing position in the region – and we not only insist, but maintain visible military power to guarantee this – said the head of the Pentagon.
US Asian allies as role models
Hegseth also called on U.S. allies to take greater responsibility for security. He warned that “allies who refuse to take action… will face a marked change in the way they do business.” He announced that only “exemplary allies” would be given priority in cooperation with the US.
In this context, the head of the Pentagon praised the more pragmatic approach of Washington's Asian partners, comparing it with the attitude of Western European countries. — When our interests coincide, we act together, taking specific actions. When they diverge, we adapt pragmatically, without drama or demotivation, he said. – I think Western Europe should take this into account (…) we need partners, not protectorates – he added.
Pete Hegseth avoids answering about Taiwan
Hegseth also assured that the US has enough missiles and that US forces are prepared to resume military operations against Iran if necessary.
